General Manager, Dairy Farmers NL

Dairy Farmers of NL is seeking a dynamic individual to take on an exciting opportunity as General Manager to manage the organization and represent and advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador dairy farmers.

The Organization

The Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador (DFNL) is the regulatory body for the production and marketing of milk within the province. For over thirty years, DFNL has promoted, regulated, and controlled the production and marketing of milk in Newfoundland and Labrador, through a Board of Directors and an enthusiastic office staff, based in St. John’s. The organization actively promotes the benefits of milk consumption and acts as a strong advocate for milk production throughout the province. DFNL is a proud partner in the management of the School Milk Foundation (SMF), a non-profit organization committed to increasing milk consumption for school aged children.

The Role

Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the General Manager is responsible for improving efficiency and managing the organization's overall operations according to the strategic direction set by the DFNL and SMFNL Boards of Directors. They oversee all business activities, support staff development, enhance efficiency, drive profitability and funding, maintain relationships with partners, enhance the organization's image, and meet overall growth objectives for both organizations. They are ultimately responsible for the integrity of the Board’s financial records.

As the main point of contact for DFNL and SMF producers, processors, government, and partners, the General Manager represents both organizations and their stakeholders on multiple national committees to review and develop policy for Board approval and oversee funding and implementation of industry projects across both organizations. They utilize their exceptional communication, leadership, relationship building skills, and superior knowledge of business, to advocate for the organization's stakeholders and partners to support their growth and success within the industry and our community.

Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:

Strategic Leadership and Governance – Responsible for the overall coordination of strategic planning in partnership with the Board and implementation and evaluation of these plans, and for maintaining aligned governance with DFNL Board vision, values, and goals.

Operational and Financial Management – Oversees all operational aspects of DFNL’s administrative and operational functions including budgeting & finance, data security, human resources, legislative and regulatory compliance, and producer support.

Policy Development and Advocacy – Oversees and implements producer policies and programs and acts as a representative of DFNL on various national committees.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal GM, you are a skilled executor and highly strategic business leader, with strong project management and financial acumen. You are solutions-focused—handling the unexpected with grace and calm. You prioritize organizational goals and exercise appropriate creative flexibility as you establish policies, processes and best practices. Your authenticity, decisiveness, consultative style, and integrity have allowed you to build meaningful partnerships and relationships both internally and externally to your past roles. You are an effective advocate and use your relational skills to facilitate progress and meet the needs of the organization’s constituents. You have participated on Boards or committees, and you appreciate the value and impact that sound governance and a healthy Board partnership can deliver. You have an excellent sense of political landscapes, navigating different partner contexts with ease.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or diploma in business policy analysis, or equivalent education and experience.

• At least 3 years’ experience in a senior business operations and management role including people management, financial management, and strategic leadership.

• Demonstrated understanding of financial statements and cost accounting.

• Proven leadership and team building skills, and ability to build and maintain an engaged workforce.

• Demonstrated political acumen showing good judgement in-the-moment, capable of competent decision-making.

• Leadership experience in the agriculture or fishing industries or some knowledge of agriculture, and applicable legislation, is considered an asset but is not required.

Skills and Attributes

• High-level ability to quickly understand complex policies and systems and strategically influence positive progress.

• Exceptional relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships with a variety of personalities.

• Exceptional critical thinking skills that inform judgment and decisions.

• Excellent skills in problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

• A strategic and skilled communicator, capable of exceptional interpersonal, written, and public-facing communications.

• A highly productive executor who gets things done.

• Integrity and creativity, with a sense of curiosity.

• Decisive, with the ability to effectively explain decisions, bringing clarity to complex issues

DFNL will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact KBRS.

DFNL is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all

qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

• If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17855