Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

United Flower Growers Cooperative Association (UFGCA)

Location: Lower Mainland, British Columbia

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Anticipated Start Date: March 2027

Salary: $ 120,000- $ 150,000 annually, plus performance bonus and executive benefits

About United Flower Growers

United Flower Growers Cooperative Association (UFG) is a respected cooperative with over 60 years of history serving British Columbia's floriculture industry. UFG connects growers with the marketplace while maintaining strong relationships with members, customers, suppliers, and industry partners.

With established operations, an experienced management team, and a strong industry presence, UFG is seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer to provide steady leadership, strengthen relationships, and build upon the organization's continued success.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, relationship-focused CEO with strong business acumen, exceptional interpersonal skills, operational discipline, and a collaborative leadership approach.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will work closely with the General Manager to provide strategic leadership, oversee organizational performance, maintain stakeholder relationships, and represent UFG with government officials and industry associations.

The ideal candidate is an established executive who values organizational stability, respects successful existing practices, and recognizes opportunities for thoughtful improvement rather than unnecessary change.

Exceptional customer relations, relationship building, communication, accountability, and sound business judgment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Board Governance

• Support the Board's strategic planning process and organizational direction.
• Develop and oversee strategic plans aligned with UFG's objectives.
• Implement Board-approved policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Provide timely financial reports, operational updates, and recommendations to the Board.
• Monitor legislation, government policies, and emerging industry developments.
• Identify challenges and opportunities while respecting established governance and operational practices.

Customer, Grower and Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, growers, cooperative members, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Serve as a key spokesperson and representative of UFG.
• Maintain relationships with organizations including Flowers Canada, BC Agriculture Council, and BC Landscape & Nursery Association.
• Engage regularly with members and growers to understand their concerns, priorities, and business challenges.
• Communicate relevant programs, policies, and industry developments to members.
• Strengthen customer satisfaction through responsiveness, effective communication, and relationship management.
• Facilitate constructive discussions, resolve concerns, and develop lasting professional relationships built on trust.

Government Relations, Advocacy and Issues Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government officials, elected representatives, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent UFG and advocate for its members during government consultations, industry meetings, and stakeholder discussions.
• Monitor government policies and regulatory developments affecting the floriculture industry.
• Develop effective issues management strategies and communication protocols.
• Communicate industry challenges and organizational priorities to government representatives and the Board.
• Maintain diplomacy and professionalism when managing sensitive matters.
• Build relationships with industry associations, media representatives, and relevant organizations.

Operational and Financial Leadership

• Provide executive oversight while collaborating with the General Manager, who manages daily operations.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and organizational accountability.
• Provide accurate financial and operational information to the Board.
• Respond to information requests from the Board, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Support established operational procedures, performance standards, and organizational systems.
• Ensure appropriate technology, information systems, reporting tools, and cybersecurity safeguards are maintained.
• Oversee the effectiveness of UFG's website, digital communication platforms, and social media presence.
• Promote informed decisions through accurate data collection and analysis.
• Identify operational risks and practical improvements while preserving successful existing practices.
• Ensure responsible management of organizational resources.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board.

People Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Work closely with the General Manager and management team to maintain a collaborative and accountable workplace.
• Provide executive oversight of recruitment, staffing, onboarding, employee performance, and termination processes.
• Coach, mentor, and support employee development.
• Establish clear expectations and measurable performance objectives.
• Foster teamwork, trust, accountability, and open communication.
• Support constructive conflict resolution.
• Respect UFG's established culture, institutional knowledge, and successful management practices.
• Introduce necessary improvements thoughtfully and collaboratively.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications

• University degree in business administration, finance, management, or a related discipline.
• Significant senior management or executive leadership experience, including leading and developing teams.
• Demonstrated professional leadership experience in Canada and knowledge of the Canadian business environment.
• Proven experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors.
• Strong understanding of governance, strategic planning, and organizational accountability.
• Demonstrated financial and business acumen, including budgeting, financial oversight, and operational management.
• Exceptional customer relations, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assess complex business challenges, manage risks, and make sound decisions.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accountability.
• Proficiency with modern business technology, digital communication platforms, and information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Canadian university education or equivalent recognized credentials.
• Previous experience as a CEO, President, General Manager, Vice President, or comparable senior executive.
• Experience working within a cooperative, association, or member-based organization.
• Knowledge of horticulture, agriculture, wholesale distribution, or supply chain operations.
• Executive experience in financial services, banking, manufacturing, agriculture, or distribution.
• Experience in government relations, public affairs, industry advocacy, or stakeholder representation.
• Established relationships with government agencies, elected officials, regulatory bodies, or industry associations.

Industry-specific experience is an asset, not a requirement.

We welcome accomplished executives from across Canada who bring transferable leadership skills, strong business judgment, and a proven track record of leading established organizations.

Leadership Skills and Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional Relationship Building: Ability to establish trust and maintain meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic and Practical Thinking: Strong business judgment and ability to translate objectives into measurable results.
• Structured and Accountable Leadership: Attention to detail, financial responsibility, and organizational discipline.
• Consultative Leadership: Ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and build consensus.
• Effective Change Management: Judgment to introduce improvements while respecting successful operations.
• Government and Policy Awareness: Ability to interpret regulations and advocate for organizational interests.
• Communication and Negotiation: Strong presentation, persuasion, and professional communication skills.
• Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy: Ability to manage challenging discussions while preserving relationships.
• Technology Awareness: Understanding of business systems, digital communication, and data analysis.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Honesty, accountability, sound judgment, and respect for others.
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to work effectively with the General Manager, management team, and Board of Directors.

How to Apply

Express Employment Professionals, Fraser Valley, is managing this executive search on behalf of United Flower Growers Cooperative Association.

Qualified candidates from across Canada are invited to submit their resume highlighting executive leadership experience, organizational management, stakeholder relationships, and significant professional achievements.

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: CEO Application | United Flower Growers

Shortlisted candidates will participate in a structured interview and evaluation process. All applications will be handled with professional discretion and confidentiality.

United Flower Growers Cooperative Association welcomes qualified applicants from diverse professional backgrounds. Selection will be based on demonstrated leadership capabilities, relevant experience, and alignment with the organization's values and operational priorities.