Chief Executive Officer

Holstein Canada; Brantford; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization in Ontario seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic initiatives, enhance member engagement, and oversee operations. The ideal candidate brings extensive leadership experience in non-profit sectors, excellent governance knowledge, and is bilingual in French and English. This role requires strong financial management skills and the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in managing a service-oriented organization.
• Ability to build consensus on services/programs and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Proven financial stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the strategic plan and enhance organizational performance.
• Oversee communication with members and producers.
• Develop operational plans aligned to Board objectives.

Skills

Leadership experience in non-profit

Governance knowledge

Bilingual in French and English

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

HOLSTEIN CANADA

Position Profile for CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Holstein Canada is a member-owned and directed association based in Brantford, Ontario. Incorporated nationally in 1901, with a strong membership base across Canada, its vision is to have engaged producers with profitable, healthy herds in a dynamic industry. Holstein Canada provides services and programs that meet producers’ needs, contributes to breed-related data management, and leads in the industry to foster alignment and partnerships. The organization serves over 9,200 members, has a staff of 80, and an operating budget of $16 million.

Holstein Canada is seeking a Chief Executive Officer who will lead with vision and purpose and inspire a high-performance culture within the organization and among stakeholders.

Note: For more information about Holstein Canada, please visit the company website.

Company Profile

The Holstein Association of Canada was founded in 1884 and incorporated nationally in 1901. It is a leader in dairy genetic programs domestically and globally and remains the only organization authorized to register Holstein cattle in Canada. The Association is a non-profit, member-owned and directed organization with over 9,200 members across Canada. Its purpose is to improve the Holstein breed through services and education, maintain genealogical records, and promote the interests of Canadian dairy producers, particularly Holstein owners. Holstein Canada maintains the Holstein Herdbook under the Federal Animal Pedigree Act and provides many services to dairy producers and associations.

Vision & Mission

Vision: Engaged dairy producers. Profitable, healthy herds. A dynamic industry.

Mission:

• Provide consolidated services and programs to meet producers’ needs.
• Contribute to the management of data.
• Lead industry partnerships to create alignment.

The Canadian Dairy Industry

The Canadian dairy industry is strong and viable, with 98% of farms family-owned and operated. Farms are located across Canada, with concentrations in Ontario and Quebec. The average Canadian dairy farm milks 100 cows.

Role: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Brantford, ON

Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of the strategic plan and oversee overall health and performance of the organization.
• Develop and execute priorities, including:
• Member engagement strategy to deepen relationships with dairy producers through tailored services and programs.
• Improve classification, registration, and genotyping services via technology and data-driven insights.
• Implement a regionalized approach to services.
• Strengthen communication across the membership and organization.
• Leadership and governance strategy to enhance a grassroots governance model and support a strong leadership and corporate structure.
• Empower and educate staff and Board members; grow the Young Leaders Program.
• Expand national and international partnerships and improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee research and development strategy and leverage data to demonstrate value of classification/registration services.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Maintain open communication with members, producers, and the dairy industry.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and liaise with the Board of Directors.
• Travel as required; valid passport required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and professional organizations; participate in industry committees.
• Work with the senior management team to develop and implement a multi-year operational plan aligned to Board objectives.
• Ensure the operational plan has clear goals and targets and enable management to meet them.

Qualifications & Skills

Holstein Canada seeks a seasoned leader with experience in a service-oriented, non-profit organization, reporting to a Board. The CEO should build collaborative relationships with staff, members, producers, the Board, and other stakeholders; lead high-performing teams; and manage complex budgets with strategic oversight.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in managing a service-oriented organization with accountability to a Board.
• Strong governance knowledge and ability to inform senior management/Board about key issues, threats, and priorities.
• Ability to build consensus on services/programs, define metrics, and manage multiple stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Experience managing with limited resources and addressing workforce challenges; track record of leading diverse teams.
• Proven financial stewardship and ability to sustain organizational performance.
• Authentic leadership aligned with the organization’s values; bilingual capability in French and English is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with agriculture or the dairy industry is a strong asset.

Competencies

• Problem solving and strategic thinking; ability to translate complex issues into action.
• Emotional intelligence and motivation; decisive, adaptable, and collaborative leadership.
• Interpersonal relations and communication; honest, direct, and inclusive communication.
• Self-awareness and the ability to provide constructive development feedback to others.

Work and Leadership Characteristics

Ability to operate in a fast-paced, bilingual, national organization across multiple time zones; curiosity to improve stakeholder understanding; and the capacity to set and communicate priorities.

Application: Process and Contact

Inquiries: Monika Mrowinski, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, [e-mail].

How to Apply: Submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter to Monika via email: [e-mail].

Holstein Canada is committed to employment equity and diversity; applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ+ persons are welcome. Accommodations are available upon request under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please submit requests to [e-mail].