Director of Agricultural Business Development

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, the Director of Agriculture Business Development is responsible and accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of agricultural business programs, policies and services to support and strengthen the agriculture and agrifoods industry. The position provides direction and leadership to encourage growth in the primary agriculture sector and advancements in value-added and secondary food processing; identification and analysis of new business opportunities; provision of farm management services; investments to enhance agricultural competitiveness, profitability, and innovative capacity; and strategic initiatives to enhance food self-sufficiency and agricultural growth. The Director is responsible for the negotiation and management of federal, provincial and territorial agricultural framework agreements, such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership; the development of program performance measurement, evaluation and reporting strategies; and the provision of professional, agronomic and client advisory services in diverse priority areas such as environmental sustainability and climate change; innovation; market development; sector capacity, growth and competitiveness; and resiliency and public trust. The position is responsible for the operation of two Crown Corporations, the Newfoundland and Labrador Crop Insurance Agency and Livestock Owners Compensation Board, ensuring adherence to provincial Acts and Regulations, and the preparation of three-year annual activity plans, annual reports and financial statements; as well works in cooperation with federal, provincial, and territorial governments and industry stakeholders to collaborate and develop agricultural policies, programs and guidelines related to business risk management programs and strategic initiatives. The Director supports and contributes to the mandate and strategic directions of the Department by advising Executive on agricultural initiatives; monitors and modifies programs for effectiveness; prepares and manages divisional budgets; manages human resource requirements; serves as senior liaison with other departments and agencies and serves as Departmental representative on numerous industry working groups, task teams and national committees; maintains communication and industry engagement with various farm and stakeholder organizations; prepares Cabinet Papers and briefing notes; and other related duties as required.