General Manager

Overview

Located in Truro, Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia (DFNS) is a producer-funded organization that administers the purchase, sale and transport of all milk produced in Nova Scotia. In doing so, it licenses producers and milk transporters and administers the production quota system. It has delegated authority to oversee many regulations created under the Dairy Act. DFNS currently has 185 members located on farms from Cape Breton to Yarmouth. Together, they produce over 220 million litres of high-quality milk each year with a farm gate value of $256 million.

Reporting to the Board of Directors and managing a team of six and a few contract positions, the General Manager oversees the day-to-day management of the organization's activities, operational functions and business affairs to support the advancement of DFNS' strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Board to create and implement organizational and industry strategies
• Oversees financial management including creating budgets, monitoring revenues and expenses, implementing controls and preparing reports
• Ensures DFNS regulations made under the Dairy Industry Act are current, up-to-date and enforced
• Manages new regulations or amendments to existing regulations, and responsible for moving regulations through the Board, advisory committees and Natural Products Marketing Council for approval as required
• Ensures producers (members) are kept informed of and contributing to issues and policies that may affect them
• Maintains positive relations with all industry partners including Natural Products Marketing Council, Canadian Dairy Commission, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, Processors, dairy organizations in other provinces and various levels and departments in government
• Oversees the development and implementation of plans to grow the market including education programs, advertising, promotion, and public relations initiatives
• Represents DFNS on national and regional committees, at conferences and at other industry events and forums
• Responsible for organizational structure, definition of roles, and application of performance and compensation systems
• Responsible for ensuring DFNS complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Act, Human Rights Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a multistakeholder environment
• Experience leading and implementing strategic and operational plans
• Experience with all aspects of human resource management
• Experience working with an elected board and within a regulated environment
• Post secondary education in Business Administration, Economics, or related field of study
• Excellent change management, interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills
• Knowledge of Dairy Industry, commodity boards or natural products considered an asset
• Strong commitment to support and grow the dairy industry in Nova Scotia

Compensation

• Starting annual salary between $130,000 to $150,000
• 3 weeks vacation
• 9% RRSP allowance
• Health and dental benefit plan
• Short and long-term disability plan
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Hybrid office environment

Applications:

Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] and quoting "General Manager" in the subject line by September 1st, 2026.