Farm Operations & People Manager
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Farm Operations & People Manager to oversee the day-to-day people and business operations at Van Raay Farms Ltd. This role plays a critical part in ensuring effective people systems, regulatory compliance, financial management, and coordination across farm activities.
This position offers a hybrid working environment, with time split between an office setting and active work on the farm. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and engaging directly with on-farm operations as needed.
As a key partner to farm leadership, the Farm Operations & People Manager provides the structure, oversight, and operational discipline needed to enable focus on production, growth, and long-term success.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Farm Strategy & Planning
- Support farm leadership with capital purchases and major investments
- Lead financial performance reviews, including P&L, cash flow, and forecasting
Prepare insights and materials to inform annual and seasonal planning
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People & Labour Administration
- Coordinate hiring and onboarding processes
- Support wage negotiations and compensation administration
- Manage performance check-ins and documentation
Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance
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Team Communication & Culture
- Schedule and facilitate weekly team touchpoints
- Support clear communication across teams
- Coordinate farm events and employee recognition initiatives
Finance & Administration
- Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable/payable, bookkeeping, and bill payments
- Coordinate payroll and ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain financial records and liaise with external accountants
- Monitor cash flow and flag risks or variances
Compliance & Risk Management
- Oversee food safety programs and certifications
- Manage inspections and maintain audit readiness
- Ensure all compliance documentation is up to date
Identify operational risks and escalate issues as needed
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Processing & Fulfillment Support
- Coordinate processing activities, inventory tracking, and fulfillment
- Support sales administration and order coordination
- Ensure accurate record-keeping across processing operations
Supplier & Partner Management
- Manage relationships with suppliers and service providers
- Coordinate with accountants, banks, and insurance partners
Track contracts, renewals, and service agreements
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WHAT YOU BRING
- Strong financial and administrative expertise, including budgeting, payroll, invoicing, and record-keeping
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced, seasonal, or resource-constrained environments
- Experience balancing day-to-day operations with longer-term planning and forecasting
- Proven ability to coordinate across operations, processing, and administrative functions
- Strong operational awareness, with the ability to translate farm production needs into effective business processes
- Clear and confident communicator who can work effectively with owners, managers, and frontline staff
- Proactive, hands-on problem solver who can anticipate and respond to challenges (e.g., staffing fluctuations, weather impacts, supply constraints)
- Comfortable working in a hybrid environment that includes both office-based work and time outdoors on the farm in varying weather conditions
- Experience in farm operations, agriculture, or small business management is considered a strong asset
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Opportunity to play a central role in the success and growth of a farm operation
- A dynamic, hands-on environment where no two days are the same
- High level of impact across financial, operational, and people systems
The ability to work closely with leadership and influence key business decisions
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We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request for candidates during all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact us at
[email protected] to discuss your needs.
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