Chief Executive Officer

Global Institute for Food Security; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agri-food innovation organization in Canada seeks a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic and visionary leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading complex organizations, deep knowledge in agricultural science, and a collaborative leadership style. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to influence sustainable agriculture on a global scale.

Qualifications

• Seasoned executive with proven success in leading innovation-driven organizations.
• Deep technical fluency in agricultural science and commercialization.
• Values-driven leadership style emphasizing collaboration and mission alignment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational, and visionary leadership to the organization.
• Execute on the Strategic Plan and advance interdisciplinary research programs.
• Grow and diversify revenue and foster partnerships across the agri-food value chain.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Business acumen

Collaboration

Transformational leadership

Job description

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) stands at the forefront of agri-food innovation in Canada and beyond. Founded to advance sustainable food systems through discovery, development, and delivery, GIFS unites industry, academia, and government to address the complex challenges of global food security. GIFS is uniquely equipped with integrated technology platforms - from genomics and biomanufacturing to data analytics and synthetic biology - enabling full-spectrum research and commercialization under one roof. With an ambitious 2025 strategic plan and a growing international reputation, GIFS is a catalytic force for scientific excellence, economic development, and societal impact in the evolving bioeconomy. Based at the University of Saskatchewan and proximate to a number of national labs and other world-class organizations in the innovation space, GIFS is extremely well poised to be a key player in the innovation economy of Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director (CEO) will report to the Board of Directors and provide strategic, operational, and visionary leadership across all facets of the organization. As the primary steward of GIFS’ mission, the CEO will be responsible for executing on the Strategic Plan, advancing interdisciplinary research programs, growing and diversifying revenue, and fostering productive partnerships across the agri-food value chain. The CEO will also serve as a member of the University of Saskatchewan’s senior leadership team, supporting and contributing to broader institutional strategies. With oversight of a high-performing executive team and cross-sector relationships, the CEO will lead GIFS in delivering integrated, market-responsive solutions that strengthen agri-food innovation at local, national and global levels.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with proven success in leading complex, innovation-driven organizations in the agri-food, bioscience, or research sectors. They bring deep technical fluency in agricultural science and commercialization, along with strong business acumen, strengths in stakeholder engagement, and a track record of transformational leadership. Equally critical is a values-driven leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and alignment to the mission. The successful candidate will inspire multidisciplinary teams, navigate public-private-academic ecosystems, and position GIFS for global influence through credible thought leadership, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.

With a talented Board of Directors, a supportive partner in government, a fertile research partner in the University of Saskatchewan and a network of interest-aligned partners, the sky is the limit in terms of the impact GIFS will have. This is an outstanding opportunity to advance a bold vision for sustainable agriculture and food innovation on a global scale within a province that boasts a growing economic and social enterprise.

This role is offered on a five-year renewable term, with the potential for renewal based on performance and organizational needs. To explore this opportunity further, please click Apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.