Senior Director, Operations and Growing

Whole Leaf, part of the Star Group of companies, is on a mission to grow Canada’s best-tasting and most sustainable lettuce, 365 days a year. Our 12-acre greenhouse facility near Coaldale, Alberta, is one of the most technologically advanced lettuce greenhouses on earth, producing Inspired Greens and Inspired Leaves for customers across Canada. Innovations in the use of robotics, integrated pest management, water conservation and automation help make Inspired Greens a clean, healthy and delicious choice. Thanks to customer-favorites products such as our whole-head living lettuce and ready-to-eat cut greens, Whole Leaf’s products are in high demand across the country. Join Whole Leaf and set the bar for Canadian-grown fresh produce.

Focus

The primary focus of the Senior Director, Operations and Growing position will be to oversee and optimize all operational aspects of our lettuce greenhouse production, ensuring efficient and sustainable processes from cultivation to distribution. The Senior Director, Operations and Growing will be responsible for driving operational excellence, enhancing productivity, and ensuring consistent, high-quality output while maintaining cost control and scalability. This role requires a strong focus on supply chain management, workforce efficiency, resource utilization, and compliance with agricultural standards to support the company’s growth objectives and profitability.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Establish operational goals that align with company objectives, while formulating and approving policies and programs that drive efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in the greenhouse's production and distribution processes.
2. Authorize and organize the creation of key departments and senior leadership positions, ensuring the right structure is in place to support optimal production, supply chain management, and resource allocation.
3. Oversee the allocation of material, human, and financial resources to execute operational policies. Establish financial and administrative controls, while formulating and approving strategies for promotional campaigns and workforce planning to support operational growth.
4. Identify and select middle managers, directors, and other senior staff to lead critical areas of production, logistics, and distribution, ensuring operational excellence across all levels.
5. Ensure seamless coordination between regions, divisions, and departments, optimizing workflow and ensuring that all aspects of greenhouse operations—from cultivation to delivery—are integrated and operating efficiently.

Key Attributes and Skills

1. Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and motivated to learn in-house software programs.
2. Proven ability to lead and manage large-scale agricultural operations, optimizing processes from production to distribution.
3. Ability to set long-term operational goals that align with business objectives, while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and process improvements.
4. Strong understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and distribution, with the ability to streamline operations and minimize costs without compromising quality.
5. Skilled in budgeting, financial planning, and cost management to ensure efficient allocation of resources and maximize profitability.
6. Deep knowledge of greenhouse operations, crop cycles, sustainable agriculture practices, and the unique challenges of growing lettuce in controlled environments.
7. Ability to recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
8. Expertise in operational efficiency and process improvement, with a focus on enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and implementing innovative solutions.
9. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly adapt to changes in market conditions, supply chain disruptions, and environmental challenges.
10. Thorough understanding of agricultural regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements to ensure operations meet legal and environmental standards.
11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and partners to ensure operational alignment and success.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
2. 10+ years of experience in operations management in agriculture, with at least 5 years in a senior/director leadership role is required.
3. Proven track record of leading large-scale agricultural or greenhouse operations, optimizing processes, and driving sustainable growth.
4. Experience in managing complex supply chains, logistics, and distribution networks in a time-sensitive environment.
5. Demonstrated expertise in resource allocation, financial management, and cost control to drive operational efficiency and profitability.
6. Hands-on experience in team leadership and development, with a focus on building high-performing, collaborative teams.
7. Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance related to agricultural production and food safety standards.

About the Star Group

We love fresh produce! The Star Group operates in every facet of the produce industry, growing fruits and vegetables in our Canadian greenhouses, partnering with growers across Canada and importing the best and freshest from around the world. Our brands are Just Picked, Big Taste and Inspired Greens, and we believe our products are raising the bar for Canadian produce. If you embody our values of Passion, Persistence and Teamwork and would like to be part of the future of food in Canada, we would love to meet you!

Why Us?

We offer a highly competitive compensation package with a comprehensive benefits plan that includes:

• Dental care
• Extended Healthcare
• Disability Coverage
• Vision Care
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Please submit your resume (in PDF Form) in confidence. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $150,000.00-$200,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus pay

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person