Job Title: Head of Aqualitas
Location: Liverpool, Nova Scotia
TP - AQI - 8272

Aqualitas was Canada's first Clean Green Certified® producer of medical cannabis. At the heart of Aqualitas is a sustainable aquaponic cultivation system, featuring organic living soil and over 2,500 koi fish. With EU GMP processing in place, Aqualitas supplies high-quality medical cannabis to patients in Canada, the UK, Europe and Australia. Their mission: to set the global standard in sustainable cannabis by delivering safe, consistent, and environmentally responsible medicine.

Aqualitas is home to approximately 90 employees, with headcount expected to grow to 120 as the company undergoes a significant expansion beginning in Q4. The business specializes in producing medical cannabis to EU GMP certification standards for export to the UK, Germany, and Australia, with additional international markets set to open soon.

Meridia is partnering with Aqualitas in the exciting search for the Head of Aqualitas. The successful candidate will lead their team and daily operations in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.

Role Description
This role requires a strong background in manufacturing, with a focus on quality assurance, meeting tight production timelines, and maintaining strict adherence to KPIs. Over the next 12 months, the candidate will also be responsible for supervising a major facility expansion.

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Drive the creation and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at streamlining manufacturing operations, improving efficiency, and achieving organizational goals.
• Define operational performance metrics and KPIs, track outcomes regularly, and make data-informed adjustments to stay on course.
• Design and uphold an organizational framework that supports strategic priorities while fostering a culture of accountability and ongoing enhancement.

Production Planning and Optimization

• Partner with the production planning team to build and carry out effective production schedules.
• Continuously assess workflows to identify opportunities for optimization, automation, and cost reduction through technology and innovation.

Supply Chain Management

• Collaborate with supply chain partners to fine-tune inventory controls, streamline procurement, and strengthen supplier partnerships to ensure timely material flow.
• Develop proactive measures to minimize supply chain vulnerabilities and safeguard operational continuity.

Team Leadership and Development

• Inspire, coach, and grow a high-performing operations team by delivering mentorship, support, and opportunities for advancement.
• Cultivate an environment rooted in safety, collaboration, and learning, while championing principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate closely with cross-functional departments such as Engineering, Finance, Sales & Marketing, and CI to ensure alignment and shared success.
• Oversee operational budgeting, capital planning, and resource distribution to support financial goals and maintain cost-efficiency.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic initiatives by actively participating in leadership meetings, operational reviews, and planning sessions, offering insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Hold the position of Responsible Person in Charge and maintain a valid Security Clearance in accordance with Health Canada's requirements

Your Qualifications
As the ideal candidate, you have strong manufacturing experience and possess extensive knowledge of regulations, quality management systems, and industry best practices. You're a strong communicator with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organization. Most importantly, you're a strategic, results-driven professional who excels in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Your qualifications include:

• Demonstrated experience managing a large manufacturing facility. Experience in cannabis, medical device, or dialysis equipment production would be a definite asset, but is not required;
• Experience managing various departments, including QA, Supply Chain, Logistics, R&D, and Quality & Compliance.
• Additional experience managing Business Development, Human Resources, and Finance departments would be an asset;
• Proven track record of driving process enhancements, boosting operational performance, and delivering substantial cost reductions;
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of an organization.

Liverpool, Nova Scotia offers a unique blend of career opportunity and coastal living. With affordable housing, a welcoming community, and easy access to beaches, trails, and cultural attractions, it's an ideal place to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Whether you're looking to grow professionally in a thriving industry or simply want a quieter pace of life, Liverpool provides the perfect setting.

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 [email protected] or Heather Simmons, Senior Recruitment Specialist at 902.421.2335 and [email protected]. 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.

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