December 15, 2022

Chief Executive Officer

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network Ltd. (CAAIN) supports the creation of new knowledge and technological solutions that address the most significant challenges facing Canada’s agri-food sector. The not-for-profit company was launched in July 2019 with funding of $49.5‑million from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund and assistance from Alberta Innovates in the form of significant in-kind contributions. CAAIN connects, creates, and cultivates to drive collaborative AgTech research and innovation from coast to coast. We do this by:

  • Building a network connecting diverse agri-food and technology players, and facilitating opportunities for them to collaborate on projects.
  • Funding the creation of promising Canadian agri-food research and innovation projects focused on automation & robotics and data-based decision-making.
  • Facilitating the development, and cultivating the growth, of a nationwide network of smart farms that represent a range of agriculture sub-sectors and collaborate to validate and demonstrate emerging technology.

In short, CAAIN supports the creation and validation of innovative knowledge and technology that will allow Canada’s agri-food industry to maintain its standing atop domestic and international markets.

CAAIN is at a pivotal moment that will define the organization going into the future and is seeking their next Chief Executive Officer to lead them on this journey. This exciting leadership role reports directly to the Board of Directors and as the highest-ranking manager of the organization, is accountable for the overall success of the Canadian Agri-food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) and is the operational decision-maker. The CEO will develop, guide and communicate the overall vision and strategy of CAAIN,  provide the framework for conducting the business of the organization and will be responsible for measuring impact.

The CEO will have the opportunity to steer the organization into the future and will lead the development and execution of agriculture and emerging technology sector research and innovation investment programs supporting CAAIN’s priorities and the federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4 objectives. Development of a broad network of agri-food and technology players as well as a cross Canada network of smart farms are additional CAAIN deliverables.

The candidate will have a level of education and experience commensurate with the position. This will include an undergraduate degree in agriculture or business with a strong preference for a post-graduate degree in related discipline. Additionally the candidate will bring 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, along with experience working with a Board of Directors and either federal or provincial governments.  A demonstrated understanding of research processes as well as technological advances in agriculture will also be an asset.

To explore this opportunity further, please reach out to the Senior Associate working on the search at npariseau@dhrglobal.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.