Managing Director, Growcer Fund

Managing Director, Growcer Fund

Full-Time

Ottawa, ON

About Growcer

Growcer is an innovative agri-tech startup launched in Ottawa in 2016, specializing in the manufacturing and design of modular hydroponic systems that enable commercial food production in plug-and-play 40 ft. modules.  Its vertical farming technology enables customers to grow fresh vegetables in virtually any climate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50°C. Growcer has empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs, communities and institutions to grow food locally all year round. Growcer's work has been recognized with awards including Fast Company's World Changing Ideas and the Entrepreneurs' Organization and was featured on Season 13 of CBC's hit show, Dragons' Den.

Growcer is looking for a driven individual with a self-starter attitude as the company enters the next phase of rapid growth and scales across North America. Effective Growcer employees are tenacious, resourceful, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable working on big-picture challenges with lots of autonomy. All positions and work responsibilities tie back to our mission of empowering people to feed the world more sustainably, and applicants who are laser-focused on contributing to the creation of a better food system will find a workplace and team that shares their vision for sustainable agriculture.

About the Role

Your primary responsibility will be to lead the Modular Farms Fund I Limited Partnership (MFF LP or Fund). This is a critical role that will be responsible for the successful launch of the Fund, as well as the implementation of its operational strategy and Fund objectives. This role will be under the Modular Farms Fund I Limited Partnership, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Growcer Inc.

This is a hands-on role that will build and lead a team of 3-5 and work closely with the broader Growcer team to launch a farming network across North America. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy performing a wide range of duties, are willing to learn and grow within this role and are motivated to achieve operational excellence in a growth-stage entrepreneurial venture.

Responsibilities

Fund Management & Operational Execution (60%)

• Establish the launch of the Fund, including the implementation of the operational strategy and Fund mandate and objectives

• Work with the Fund team and Investment Committee to establish joint venture projects within the deployment period, including overseeing establishment paperwork, development of partnerships and coordination with the Growcer team

• Compile and assess the financial modelling of the planned farm projects, provide commentary and evaluate their feasibility

• Provide hands-on support for farm deployment and ensure a successful launch of farm projects within the deployment period, including overseeing onboarding, commissioning/site prep and start up period

• Oversee farm success, including ongoing distribution/offtake support, farmer relations, capital maintenance, help desk and farm audits

• Assess financial efficiencies and provide feedback to clients to plan and manage their farm projects

• Establish risk management framework and anticipate how to effectively mitigate Fund challenges

• Oversee effective corporate governance practices, including with Investment Committee, Growcer's Board of Directors and MFF LP stakeholders

Team leadership (20%)

• Directly lead the MFF team of 3-5, as well as work collaboratively with the broader Growcer team for the successful Fund deployment and operations

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Growcer team on farm manufacturing, farmer training and commissioning

• Represent the MFF team to the Growcer leadership team and MFF LP stakeholders

Investor Relations, Compliance and Reporting (20%)

• Accountable for MFF’s investor relations on Fund performance, as well as manage ongoing reporting requirements, impact reporting and MFF financial compliance

• Expand MFF’s strategic partnership opportunities, including supporting the establishment of MFF 2 in years 5-7 of MFF 1

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead organizations in a fast-pace, deadline-driven environment with the ability to adapt to changing fund needs

• Resourceful and meticulous, with proven track record of sound financial management and maintaining a high level of accountability for Fund objectives

• Highly developed analytical skills and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to proactively identify issues and solutions within complex and ambiguous environments

• Experienced with developing and maintaining relationships with diverse network of stakeholders

• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and manage own priorities; self-starter attitude

• Experience managing a remote team with a focus on team growth and leadership development

• Must be able to legally work in Canada

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, (MBA preferred, but not required)

Experience Requirements: 5-10 years experience

Travel Requirements: Low-medium, dependent on farm deployment

Physical Requirements: N/A

English/French Bilingual: Fluency in English required, bilingual an asset

Driver’s License Required: Yes

This role is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 5 days in the Ottawa office per month.

Assets

List any additional skills, education or experience that would be beneficial to the job itself, but not required.

Interested candidates should submit a concise cover letter and résumé to: careers@thegrowcer.ca. Preliminary interviews will begin in early September 2024.

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Keywords

Fund ManagementOperational ExecutionTeam LeadershipInvestor RelationsComplianceReportingFinancial ManagementCorporate GovernanceStakeholder RelationshipsCommunication SkillsLeadership DevelopmentStrategic Partnerships