Job Title: Vice President, Operations
Location: New Annan, PEI or Moncton, NB
TP - CFL - 8543
Location: New Annan, PEI or Moncton, NB
TP - CFL - 8543
Meridia Recruitment Solutions is thrilled to partner with Cavendish Farms in the search for a Vice President, Operations. This pivotal role will be based in either New Annan, Prince Edward Island or Moncton, New Brunswick.
Role Description
Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Operations, will be accountable for leading a team of dedicated professionals in producing high-quality, cost-competitive frozen potato and appetizer products that meet the current and future needs of Cavendish Farms customers and clients.
In this role, you will shape and lead the strategic direction of the organization’s operations. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all operational activities while driving the development and execution of safe, efficient, and cost-effective systems that ensure long-term success.
This is an opportunity to build your own legacy. You’ll have high exposure, working closely with the Owner, the executive leadership team, site operations and other key stakeholders throughout Canada and the United States.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leadership & Culture
Role Description
Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Operations, will be accountable for leading a team of dedicated professionals in producing high-quality, cost-competitive frozen potato and appetizer products that meet the current and future needs of Cavendish Farms customers and clients.
In this role, you will shape and lead the strategic direction of the organization’s operations. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all operational activities while driving the development and execution of safe, efficient, and cost-effective systems that ensure long-term success.
This is an opportunity to build your own legacy. You’ll have high exposure, working closely with the Owner, the executive leadership team, site operations and other key stakeholders throughout Canada and the United States.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leadership & Culture
- Provide strong leadership to Operations teams, ensuring day-to-day excellence across all sites.
- Champion and embed Irving Values throughout the organization.
- Enhance the employee experience through effective leadership, engagement, and support.
- Act as a role model for Daily Management (IMS) practices.
Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement the long-term strategic direction for Operations.
- Oversee capital investment and asset management planning to support growth.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and consistently achieve cost targets.
- Proactively identify and manage business risks and opportunities.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure all facilities are maintained to Irving Standards every day.
- Drive efficiency through safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.
- Monitor operational performance, intervening where necessary to meet expectations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
Safety & Compliance
- Build and reinforce a strong safety culture across all sites.
- Ensure effective workplace safety programs and compliance with food safety standards.
- Oversee corrective actions following customer issues or complaints to ensure resolution and learning.
Customer & Business Alignment
- Ensure customers consistently receive products that meet agreed quality standards across all plants.
- Partner with Supply Chain to deliver on service level commitments and pack plans.
- Lead clear and consistent communication of company goals, strategy, and business performance.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven ability to develop and execute operational strategies that drive efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and capital planning.
- Demonstrated success in leading multi-site operations or large-scale teams.
- Solid knowledge of manufacturing best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies).
- Track record of building and sustaining a safety-first culture and ensuring compliance with regulatory and food safety standards.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
- Customer-focused mindset, with experience ensuring quality and service consistency across operations.
- Post-secondary degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
Preferred / Asset Qualifications:
- Direct leadership experience in the production of potato-based products.
- Direct involvement in strategic capital investment and asset management planning.
- Advanced education such as an MBA or equivalent graduate degree.
- Expertise in change management and employee engagement initiatives.
- Strong background in risk management and proactive problem-solving.
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Rick Neima, Consultant at 902-488-2534 and rneima@kbrs.ca, or please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Rick Neima, Consultant at 902-488-2534 and rneima@kbrs.ca, or please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.
