VP, Horticulture Development, Innovation, & Quality - Guelph, ON / Hybrid

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Job Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Guelph, ON / Hybrid

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you!

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.

• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

• We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

Reporting to the President & CEO, the VP, Horticulture Development, Innovation & Quality is responsible for leading GoodLeaf’s horticultural excellence (ie. plant productivity and plant quality) and food safety across all GoodLeaf locations.  This role is responsible for strategic direction, growth and development of the horticulture function and provides visionary leadership for GoodLeaf Farms’ horticulture operations, including developing key strategies for maximizing plant biomass yield in indoor farming environments, adapting new plants for indoor cultivation, and establishing viable next generation business opportunities.

This role will lead the development of key performance indicators and analytical tools for consistent, repeatable horticultural best practices, maximizing harvestable yield, producing great quality product, maintaining the highest food safety practices, and reducing cost of goods. The individual will work closely with other leaders to design, set up and ensure operational success of new farms.

What you will be doing

1.     Horticultural Strategy and Development:

• Develop and execute the horticultural strategy to support the company's growth objectives, ensuring alignment with industry trends and emerging technologies.

• Drive innovation in horticulture techniques in a controlled environment in terms of, automation, lighting, nutrient management, and crop selection to maximize yield, quality, and sustainability.

• Identify and evaluate new horticultural technologies, equipment, and partnerships that enhance efficiency, productivity, and product quality.

2.     Cultivation and Production Management:

• Oversee the cultivation process in vertical farms, ensuring optimal growth conditions, crop health, and resource utilization.

• Collaborate with the operations team to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, and disease control.

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to track crop performance, yield, and production costs, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

3.     Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:

• Develop and implement robust quality assurance programs and protocols in accordance with SQF guidelines to maintain product safety and integrity.

• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards throughout the entire production cycle, from seed to harvest, including post-harvest handling and storage.

• Collaborate with regulatory agencies, auditors, and certification bodies to ensure compliance with industry regulations and certifications.

4.     Research and Development:

• Lead research and development initiatives to identify and introduce new plant varieties, improve crop characteristics, and optimize growing practices.

• Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in horticulture, vertical farming, and sustainable agriculture.

• Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry experts to drive innovation and knowledge exchange.

5.     Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Build and lead a high-performing Horticulture team and Quality team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication across departments.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, sales, and product development teams to align horticultural strategies with market demands and customer preferences.

Must have’s

• 10+ years' experience in commercial fruit and vegetable agricultural operations in senior roles in horticulture, and agronomy.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.  A Ph.D. is a plus.

• 5+ years' experience with various hydroponic systems.

• 5+ years' experience with controlled environment agriculture operations in a senior role leading design, improvements, and operational success of these operations.

• Experience in developing and implementing quality assurance programs, preferably under SQF guidelines or similar food safety standards.

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements related to horticulture, agricultural practices, and food manufacturing.

• Must be able and willing to travel across national and international borders.

• Must have a strong business acumen.

• Must have successfully led collaborative and high performing teams.

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.

• Experience with report writing and MS suite of applications.

• Has worked in a high growth and/or start-up environment.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions

• Possesses a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Highly collaborative and is a sought-after resource

• Positive work attitude.

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

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HR Business Partner - Guelph, ON

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Job Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Guelph, ON

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you!

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.

• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

• We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

We are looking for you to be responsible for the strategic and tactical execution of human resources programs and initiatives while serving as an allied business partner for internal client groups.

What you will be doing

This role will work in-office at the Guelph location, and have the following responsibilities:

• Ensure the Guelph Farm is fully staffed, which includes executing full-cycle recruitment when and if required

• Deploy employee retention strategies

• Implement and manage HR strategies, practices, and processes

• Create, track and provide regular updates on HR, H&S and disability KPI’s

• Coordinate, implement and lead employee engagement initiatives and events

• Identify training gaps, implement training/development initiatives, and create succession

  plans to support business needs

• Investigate employee incidents and disability claims and advise management on next steps

• Update and ensure compliance in all health & safety matters – documentation, onsite

  inspections, first aid programs, JHSC, posting requirements, etc...

• Train and coach leadership on various key skills (ie. Incident investigation & reporting,

  performance management, employee motivation, etc...)

• Manage the WSPS Safety Excellence program

• Update and maintain policies and manuals

• Ensure benefits and pay matters are accurate and timely

• Monitor and audit the time & attendance process

Must have’s

• 4+ years of progressive HR Experience in an HR Generalist or HRBP capacity

• Completion of a college diploma or university degree in HR Management or related field

• Experience in a manufacturing facility

• Experience in disability claim management

• Demonstrated experience creating successful employee engagement and retention

  solutions

• Highly adaptable and flexible to work early mornings, evenings or weekends, when required

• Strong ability to negotiate and influence

• Experience coaching front-line leadership and building development programs

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Nice to have’s

• Experience in a food processing facility in an HRBP capacity

• Experience with building comp structures, and disability management

• Experience implementing HR platforms (ie. HRIS)

• Fluency in French

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

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Customer Service Representative - Guelph, ON

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Job Type:  Fulltime, Permanent

Location:  Guelph, ON

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada?  If so, we would love to hear from you! 

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast.  We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well.  We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level.  GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a start-up.

• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

• We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles.  We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

As a key member of the Customer Supply Chain Team, the Customer Service Representative is the single point of contact for the order-to-delivery process.  The CSR manages the customer relationship and works with cross-functional peers to execute the customer order-to-delivery process.  Additionally, their responsibilities will include managing customer orders against forecast, troubleshooting and resolving delivery failures, executing against order programs and policy, managing customer penalty deductions through investigation and working with internal stakeholders to correct root cause, supporting production to allocate product, providing daily communication to sales team about fill rate and delivery expectations.

Role & Responsibilities

Summary of Day-in-the-Life:

• Key contact for Buyer or Broker for orders, logistics, and inventory flow challenges for all day-to-day activities

• Drive the new customer set-up process with the support of the Sales team, engaging all internal stakeholders to set up customers, products, freight requirements, and packaging requirements across the farm network.

• Manages customer communication on any issues related to shipments

• Collaborates with Transportation to establish new freight lanes/ delivery locations, to meet delivery of products on time and in full to customers

• Proactively addresses product shortages with customers and the sales team.

• Coordinates sample requests through the order management process.

• Manages customer issues, complaints, and rejects.

• Collaborates with Farm Planner, Sales, and Marketing team members to work through order to forecast variance.

• Facilitate and participate in the weekly SHOP meeting.

• Continually look for ways to improve processes aligned with GoodLeaf policies and procedures.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external customers.

• Ad hoc reporting to support processes and process improvements.

• Monitoring customer order trends to identify steps to maximize fill rate.

• Monitor forecast against farm output and identify extra volume by crop, and opportunities to increase customer orders.

• Accountability and strong management of claims related to customer accounts.

• Share knowledge with the team and contribute to SOP development and lessons learned.

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• Post-secondary education, with a minimum of three years’ experience in customer-focused support roles, preferably in agriculture, horticulture, or food-based operations in Canada

• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and early mornings as may be occasionally required.

• Excellent ability to develop and maintain internal and external relationships

• Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple competing tasks

• Exceptional time management skills

• Strong communication skills – written and verbal

• Bilingual English & French preferred

• Ability to work through conflict for a win/win outcome

• Ability to forge partnerships with other areas to drive performance across business and functional lines

• Self-motivated team player – able to be proactive and work with minimal supervision.

• System Knowledge: proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel in particular; experience in ITrade, PowerBi, and EDI.

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Head Grower - Guelph, ON

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Job Type:  Fulltime, Permanent

Location:  Guelph, ON

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada?  If so, we would love to hear from you! 

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast.  We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well.  We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level.  GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a start-up.

• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

• We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles.  We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

The Head Grower is responsible for managing and optimizing our controlled agriculture growing system in Guelph.  This role is pivotal in ensuring consistent, high-yield production of our crops while maintaining the highest quality standards. The Head Grower will possess a deep understanding of plant science, horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture and will have a proven track record of leading teams and driving operational excellence.

Role & Responsibilities

• Oversee Growing Operations:  Manage all aspects of the growing process, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. 

• Optimize Growing Systems:  Continuously analyze and refine growing parameters (light, temperature, humidity, CO2, nutrients, etc.) to maximize yield, quality, and efficiency. 

• Quality Assurance:  Work with Quality Assurance to implement and maintain rigorous quality control standards, ensuring that all produce meets or exceeds company specifications.

• Team Leadership:  Lead and develop a high-performing team of Horticulture Technicians, providing training, mentorship, and support.

• Collaboration:  Work closely with Quality, Operations, and R&D teams to identify and implement process improvements, new crop varieties, and innovative growing techniques.  Support and demonstrate organizational culture.

• Data Analysis:  Utilize data analytics to monitor crop performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Research and Development:  Work with Research & Development to conduct and oversee trials to evaluate new growing techniques, crop varieties, and technologies.

• Continuous Improvement:  Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall system performance.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.

• Proven track record of achieving high commercial fruit or vegetable agriculture yields and quality.

• Proven track record of individual and team development.

• Experience advocating for corporate culture and key initiatives.

• 1+ years' experience with hydroponic systems.

• 1+ years' experience with controlled environment agriculture operations.

• In-depth knowledge of agriculture lighting systems and their impact on plant growth.

• Knowledge of plant pathology in controlled environments.

• Experience leading the execution of agricultural trials and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Must be able to travel across borders when and if required.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Experience with report writing and MS suite of applications

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Production Associate (VFT) - Guelph, ON

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Job Type:  Full Time / Permanent

Location:  Guelph, ON 

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada?  If so, we would love to hear from you!

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast.  We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well.  We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

• You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level.  GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

• We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.

• We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

• We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles.  We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!

What we are looking for

We are looking for you to join our Production Associate / Vertical Farming Technician Crew whose primary responsibility it is to ensure all areas of our vertical farm run smoothly and safely, handling farm materials, packaging leafy greens and participating in sanitation practices.  Whether you are seeding our bold and peppery baby arugula or harvesting our delicate pea shoots, your role will be to ensure we deliver a safe, top-quality product to all Canadian families. 

What you will be doing 

• Seeding micro and baby leafy greens

• Harvest and package our micro and baby leafy greens

• Handle farm materials

• Participate in industry best, sanitation practices

Must have’s

• Must be able to work a 12-hour rotational day shift, 7:00AM – 7:00PM.  Rotational schedule is 3 days on 2 days off and then 2 days on 2 days off.

• Must be detail oriented and physically able to lift up to 50lbs

• Able to excel in a fast paced, changing environment

• Reliable and highly efficient

• Must be passionate about local produce and your impact on the environment

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada. 

GoodLeaf Farms is a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination employer.

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.