Higher Talent is currently seeking an experienced and driven Chief Operating Officer to join the leadership team at Baffin Fisheries, based in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador.

OUR STORY:

Baffin Fisheries is a 100% Inuit-owned company. The Company is jointly owned by five Hunters and Trappers Associations in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut: Pangnirtung, Amaruq (Iqaluit), Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Mayukalik (Kimmirut), and Namautalik (Clyde River). BF currently owns and operates two factory freezer trawlers and one factory freezer gillnetter, and will accept delivery of a new-build, 80m multi-species trawler later this year. Corporate office is in Iqaluit with operational offices in Paradise, NL, Pangnirtung, and Pond Inlet. Our goal is to maximize benefits and ensure sustainability of fisheries resources for Nunavut. We reinvest profits from the commercial offshore fishing industry to deliver economic benefits and opportunities to our communities. For more information, please visit https://www.baffinfisheries.ca/.

THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer will steer the organization toward operational excellence. You will lead the Operations Team including fishing operations, vessel safety, maintenance, and maximizing efficiency to ensure alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives. You will promote health, safety, and the protection of the environment through sound management and system initiatives that prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illness. You will provide strategic leadership across the organization so solutions can be harnessed for operational optimization and success. Building and leading high-performing teams will be central to your responsibilities, and you will be instrumental in cultivating a positive and inclusive organizational culture that values collaboration.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

  • Ensure safe, efficient, successful, sustainable fishing operations, in alignment with the vision of the Board and CEO.
  • Lead the Operations and Crew teams to foster maximum performance, accountability, and employee engagement.
  • Ensure a strong culture of safety throughout the organization, backed by a robust and tested Safety Management System (SMS) and Vessel Management System (VMS) that meets or exceeds all regulatory standards.
  • Evaluate and enhance operational processes to maximize efficiency without compromising quality.
  • Collaborate with the executive team to ensure technical decision-making for effective vessel maintenance and capital improvements.
  • Approve and manage budgets for all vessels in consultation with Fleet Manager, Business Analyst, CFO, and CEO.
  • Maintain close contact and fully understand all stations of the vessels: bridge, factory, deck, and cargo.
  • Supervise completion, delivery, and integration of new 80-m fishing vessel into the fleet in Q3 2024.
  • Assist with contract negotiations with external companies for quota transfers, purchases, swaps, or sales.
  • Maintain or establish relationships with contractors, suppliers, cold storage managers, and other contractors to maximize benefits from these relationships, and to support and foster the organization’s brand.
  • Provide oversight of vessel landing management and safety requirements.
  • Manage communications and operational requirements of the fishing plan, and changes to the plan.
  • Develop and present operational and safety updates to the Board of Directors.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

  • Previous certification as Captain or Chief Engineer, or Degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study e.g. Engineering, Nautical Science, Business Administration. Advance degree e.g. MBA would be considered an asset.
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience (vessel / fishing) while demonstrating operational excellence and achievement of organizational goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to optimize operational performance while ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Exceptional leadership skills, evidenced by a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
  • Ability to build and foster effective collaboration and consensus with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to communicate with people at all levels.
  • Demonstrated high level of accountability, integrity, and ethics with steadfast resolve.
  • Proven ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals and objectives.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
  • Flexibility and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST:

  • We offer a competitive total compensation package including a Bonus Program, Benefits Package (Health, Life Insurance, Dental, and Long-Term Disability), and Group RRSP with employer contribution.
  • Strong leave program that includes personal days to care for your health and wellbeing.

HOW TO APPLY:  Apply in strictest confidence to http://jumpcareers.ca/bullhorn/#/jobs/1232

If you are a driven leader with a passion for operational excellence in the fishing sector, this is an exceptional opportunity to be a key player in shaping the future of operations at Baffin Fisheries!

For more information, please contact:

Christine Phillips | HR Consultant & Executive Recruiter | christine@highertalent.ca

Higher Talentwww.highertalent.ca

At Higher Talent we recognize the value of diversity and are committed to making intentional steps toward building inclusive teams that better reflect the communities JUMP and the organizations we serve operate within. We believe that inclusion is not just about making room at the table but about seeking out talent through a diversity lens and letting everyone know that their unique perspectives are important contributions to building stronger workplaces in a changing world. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our posted positions. We welcome candidates to self-identify or make our recruitment team aware of any potential accommodations they may need during the recruitment process. This opportunity is only available for candidates legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.