Job Title: General Manager

Organization: OceanSafe Harvest Solutions
Location: Halifax, NS
Reports To: Board of Directors
https://oceansafehs.ca/

Business description

OceanSafe Harvest Solutions (OSHS) is a pioneering social enterprise startup that will be based in Atlantic Canada, established to provide full-service support for crab and lobster fisheries harvesters transitioning to ropeless gear.

OceanSafe Harvest Solutions will look to meet ropeless gear demand in the Atlantic Canada market by offering a full suite of gear acquisition and associated service options.

OSHS will offer uninterrupted fishing when harvesters season are interrupted with zone closures with flexible and economical ropeless gear readiness solutions to help aid harvesters' business continuity in the instance of a closure due to the presence of large marine mammals.

OSHS has a deep commitment to environmental stewardship by balancing the fishing industry's needs, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

OSHS is dedicated to providing exceptional service to the harvesting community including high-quality services, products, comprehensive training, reliable maintenance, and effective logistics solutions.

Job Summary

The General Manager (GM) of OceanSafe Harvest Solutions (OSHS) is responsible for overseeing strategic planning, execution, and day-to-day operations of this pioneering social enterprise. As a startup, the GM must carefully plan and implement foundational strategies to ensure operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and market positioning. The GM will lead all aspects of business operations, including procurement, sales, customer relations, equipment management, and personnel. A deep understanding of the personalities and obstacles faced by lobster and crab harvesters in Atlantic Canada is critical to ensuring the company meets their needs, while driving the adoption of ropeless fishing gear for both harvester business continuity and conservation. The GM will act as a progressive leader, fostering a positive, inclusive, and equitable environment across the organization and with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Planning and Oversight
   • Lead the planning, implementation, and management of day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals.
   • Develop and execute plans for the procurement, leasing, and brokering of ropeless gear, ensuring customer needs and regulatory requirements are met.
   • Implement and manage efficient logistical plans for the delivery, maintenance, and storage of fishing gear.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Market Planning
   • Industry and Supply Chain Engagement: Plan and execute a strategy to build and maintain relationships with lobster and crab harvesters, seafood distributors, and equipment suppliers. Leverage these relationships to identify opportunities and support supply chain development, from harvest to market.
   • Sustainable Seafood Market Creation: Plan and implement strategies to explore and develop new markets for sustainably harvested lobster and crab, positioning OSHS as a leader in responsible fisheries.
   • Partnership Development: Plan and manage stakeholder relationships by engaging with government bodies, community leaders, and fisheries associations to enhance OSHS's market opportunities and customer relationships.
3. Sales and Marketing Strategy
   • Synergistic Planning and Implementation: Leverage insights from stakeholder engagement to plan and implement a sales strategy that addresses the needs of key stakeholders, including harvesters, distributors, and regulatory bodies.
   • Networking and Relationship Building: Plan and execute participation in industry forums, community events, and discussions to build relationships and trust, driving sales and market expansion.
   • Insight-Driven Sales Tactics: Develop and implement sales plans tailored to customer challenges, emphasizing OSHS's ropeless gear's environmental and economic benefits.
   • Collaborative Marketing and Market Creation: Collaborate with industry partners to plan and implement joint marketing initiatives and expand OSHS's reach through trade shows and targeted campaigns.
   • Sales Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop between sales activities and stakeholder engagement to refine and adjust strategies based on market needs and regulatory changes.
4. Leadership and Team Management
   • Plan, recruit, and manage a diverse team of technicians, maintenance staff, and sales representatives, ensuring their activities are aligned with strategic objectives.
   • Foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable work environment, encouraging collaboration, diversity of thought, and innovation within the team.
   • Implement strategies for staff training, performance evaluation, and professional development to foster a culture of customer service excellence, innovation, and equity.
5. Strategic Planning and Execution
   • Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for OSHS's growth and sustainability.
   • Monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to adjust and implement strategic adjustments accordingly.
   • Ensure that strategic plans consider the unique challenges and opportunities of building a startup, ensuring scalability as the business grows.
6. Financial Planning and Management
   • Develop and implement annual budgets that align with business objectives, ensuring financial sustainability.
   • Monitor financial performance and adjust operational and financial plans to ensure resources are allocated effectively.
   • Implement cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiencies, particularly in equipment procurement, maintenance, and logistics.
7. Startup Development
   • Plan and manage the unique challenges of building a startup, including resource limitations, market entry strategies, and competitive pressures.
   • Develop business infrastructure, including workflows, technology systems, and financial controls, that are essential for sustainable scaling.
   • Continuously implement startup-specific strategies that align with long-term growth objectives.
8. Community and Industry Advocacy
   • Develop advocacy plans to promote sustainable fishing practices and the adoption of ropeless gear, positioning OSHS as a leader in marine conservation.
   • Plan and execute participation in community events, industry conferences, and forums to raise awareness of OSHS's mission and services.

Qualifications

• Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Atlantic Canada fisheries sector, particularly in lobster and crab harvesting. Experience in planning and implementing strategies that address the cultural dynamics, personalities, and challenges faced by harvesters.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing business operations, with strong skills in strategic planning, financial management, and business development.
• Startup Experience: Proven experience in planning and building a business from the ground up, including establishing and implementing operations, growing market share, and overcoming startup challenges.
• Stakeholder Relations: Strong ability to plan and maintain relationships with fishers, seafood distributors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that stakeholder engagement is integrated into overall business strategies.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Ability to plan for and ensure compliance with fisheries regulations and environmental policies, and to implement strategies that address regulatory changes and challenges.
• Cultural Awareness: A nuanced understanding of the mindset and challenges faced by Atlantic Canada harvesters, with the ability to plan and implement strategies that navigate potential obstacles and foster trust.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Education:
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in marine management, business administration, fisheries science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in business development, marine conservation, or supply chain management are preferred.
• Experience:
  • 7-10 years of experience in planning and managing business operations, preferably within the fisheries or marine equipment sectors.
  • Proven experience in planning and implementing business strategies for startups or early-stage companies or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working directly with the fisheries sector, including fishers or within a marine-based supply chain in Atlantic Canada, is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Progressive Leader: A forward-thinking leader who fosters a positive, inclusive, and equitable environment, promoting diversity and collaboration both within the team and in stakeholder relations.
• Planner and Implementer: A strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement comprehensive plans to achieve business goals.
• Adaptable: Able to navigate the evolving needs of both the fishing industry and conservation mandates, adjusting plans and strategies accordingly.
• Problem Solver: Adept at planning solutions to business challenges, ensuring both short-term and long-term success.
• Collaborative: A team player who fosters a cooperative working environment and plans with stakeholder input.
• Visionary: Forward-thinking, with the ability to envision, plan, and implement strategies that support long-term business sustainability and conservation goals.

Compensation

A competitive salary package that will be based on individual experience and expertise, will be offered commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Please send your Resume and Cover letter to: [email protected]