Job Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Bee Maid Honey Limited | Winnipeg, MB

This role puts you at the helm of a purpose-driven organization, where your leadership directly supports local producers, delivers high-quality products to Canadian and international markets, and builds lasting value for employees, members, and partners.

About Bee Maid Honey

Bee Maid Honey Limited is a proudly Canadian co-operative, owned by over 300 independent beekeepers across Western Canada. Since its founding in 1954, Bee Maid has been dedicated to producing and distributing 100% pure Canadian honey. The cooperative ensures every bottle meets the highest standards of quality and safety, sourcing exclusively from its member-producers and adhering to rigorous testing protocols. Bee Maid was the first honey packer in Canada to achieve True Source Certified status, guaranteeing ethically sourced, fully traceable honey.

With a vision to deliver higher-than-market returns and exceptional service to members, Bee Maid empowers employees and creates long-term value for its stakeholders. The cooperative holds 30-40% of the Canadian honey market and maintains partnerships across retail, industrial, food service, and private label sectors.

For more information, visit www.beemaid.com.

The Opportunity

Bee Maid Honey is seeking a visionary, purpose-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and market expansion. This is a legacy leadership opportunity at a pivotal moment for the cooperative, which has seen over $35 million invested by its members in the last two years.

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership across three entities--Bee Maid Honey Limited, Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative Ltd., and Manitoba Co-operative Honey Producers Ltd. and oversee the execution of Bee Maid's mission: creating value for members, customers, and employees while upholding cooperative principles.

This role is an opportunity to:

Shape the future of a national brand with deep roots in Canadian agriculture. Lead a purpose-driven organization that supports local producers and delivers high-quality products to domestic and international markets. Drive operational and financial excellence, while fostering a high-performing and values-driven culture. Build lasting relationships with a committed membership, industry partners, and the Board of Directors.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will:

Develop, execute, and monitor the strategic plan, linking it to operational objectives and annual business goals. Oversee financial management, operational performance, and risk mitigation strategies. Lead and mentor the senior leadership team to ensure organizational alignment, talent development, and succession planning. Represent Bee Maid Honey in industry, community, and government forums to enhance the cooperative's reputation and influence. Promote a culture grounded in ethics, integrity, participation, and cooperative values.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Growth

Collaborate with the Board to define vision, strategy, and annual objectives. Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities and market trends. Monitor progress against strategic goals and adjust plans as necessary.

Business & Financial Management

Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and performance measurement. Ensure financial sustainability, accurate reporting, and asset protection. Lead risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Culture

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development. Support senior management in succession planning and leadership growth. Model performance planning, feedback, and coaching.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with members, employees, and partners to enhance loyalty and value. Advise and report to the Board on strategic and operational matters. Represent Bee Maid Honey at industry events and community initiatives.

Regulatory & Risk Compliance

Ensure compliance with product quality, environmental, workplace safety, and data protection regulations. Lead enterprise risk management across strategic, operational, financial, and reputational areas.

Candidate Profile, required qualifications:

A background of progressively senior leadership responsibilities, including 10+ years working as a senior executive leader, preferably in manufacturing, or related sector Strong financial, operational, and strategic leadership skills. Experience working with Boards and understanding cooperative governance principles. Ability to interpret economic, market, financial, and operational information for strategic decision-making. Alignment with cooperative values, sustainability, and community engagement. Advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred. Preferred: knowledge of agriculture, beekeeping, and/or the honey industry. Experience in a producer-owned or cooperative environment is an asset.

Location

Primary location: Winnipeg, Manitoba and/or Spruce Grove/Edmonton.

Winnipeg

offers an inclusive, affordable, and vibrant environment with cultural diversity, recreational opportunities, and community programs.

Spruce Grove

provides a family-friendly city with modern amenities, recreational facilities, and strong economic growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person