Job Description About Us:

We, the worker-owners of La Siembra Co-operative, are committed to a model of equitable trade rooted in co-operation and the social solidarity economy. We offer consumers high-quality ethical products through partnerships with producer co-operatives that foster sustainable livelihoods and community development. We believe in meaningful, dignified employment and are guided by the co-operative principles, by the Fair Trade principles, and by a respect for the environment.

Camino is a Canadian brand of fair trade and organic food products, owned by the Ottawa-based La Siembra Co-operative. La Siembra works directly with 18 producer co-ops, supporting more than 36,000 family farmers in 9 countries.

Position Description:

Job Duties:

Governance and Accountability:

• As the key liaison to the Board, the Executive Director facilitates a relationship of trust and understanding and the free flow of information between the Board and senior management
• Works with the Board to develop the strategic direction and the operational priorities required to meet the organization's long-term objectives
• Deposits annual operating plans, revenue forecasts and expenditures consistent with those priorities
• Ensures that the Board is made aware, in a timely way, of key strategic and other material operational challenges; and
• Provides monthly updates and reports to the Board on strategic projects, operational results and key performance indicators.

Business Planning and Strategy Development:

• With the senior management team, leads the development, implementation and communication strategy for the organizational business plan and strategic initiatives that meet the long-term business objectives and goals of the co-operative
• Provides strategic guidance for market research andbusiness intelligence
• Provides La Siembra Co-op with appropriate risk management strategies, including the identification of key areas of financial and operational risk to the co-operative and the brand; and
• Manages the overall business to ensure strategic and business initiatives are effectively implemented, the results are monitored and reported to the Board, and financial, operational and organizational objectives are attained in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the co-operative.

Human Resources:

• Develops and recommends to the Board the overall organizational structure and staffing requirements required to meet the capacity needs and business objectives of the co-operative
• Within approved budgets, is responsible for the creation of new employment positions, staff evaluations, compensation and termination where required
• Maintains a positive working environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing that is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating staff
• Establishes and maintains an organizational culture within which staff have the skills and resources they need to meet their professional and personal objectives; and
• Leads by example to promote a democratic, efficient, strategic, and supportive working environment.

External Communications:

• Provides visionary leadership to strategically position the organization at the forefront of the Fair Trade and Organics industry and effectively communicates this vision to La Siembra's members, partners and key stakeholders; and
• Ensures that the mission, vision, values, brand and products are consistently presented with a strong, positive image.

Skills Requirements:

• Ten plus years in alternative trade organization or fair trade company
• Ten plus years in worker-owned cooperative
• Experience living and working with small scale farmers in Latin America or South East Asia including current fair trade product suppliers to La Siembra Co-operative
• First-hand and managerial experience in import/export business
• Experience managing contract food manufacturers
• Financial management experience including budget development, projections, and private placement share capital offerings
• Ten plus years experience in food industry sales, including grocery and food distribution, broker management, and marketing and merchandising program development
• Hiring and personnel management experience
• Completion of a relevant university degree
• Strategic thinker and visionary with strong business acumen
• Experience in strategic planning and execution, negotiations, contracts, and change management
• In-depth problem-solving and analytical skill set
• Proven experience facilitating and empowering a strong management team to develop and implement strategy
• Proven experience identifying, hiring and developing talented individuals
• Proven experience motivating, coaching and mentoring people and building a positive team-based organization
• Excellent professional oral and written communication skills in English is required, ability to communicate in French and Spanish is desired

Salary: $95,000

Benefits package being offered (if applicable): La Siembra has a competitive benefits package (health, dental, disability) in which you will be eligible to participate as an employee in accordance with your working status. Compensation this position is : salaried How to apply DeadlineAugust 22, 2014