Executive Assistant Needed at Swine Production – Canada

Big Sky Farms, established in 1995 by Florian and Betty Possberg in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, rapidly became a significant player in Canada’s swine industry. By 2012, it was the second-largest hog producer in the country, managing a herd of approximately 42,000 sows and producing around one million pigs annually.

In 2012, due to financial challenges stemming from rising feed costs and declining hog prices, Big Sky Farms entered receivership. In January 2013, Olymel L.P., a leading Canadian agri-food company, acquired Big Sky Farms’ Canadian assets for $65.25 million.

This strategic acquisition aimed to secure hog supplies for Olymel’s processing facilities, particularly its Red Deer plant in Alberta.

Despite the change in ownership, the Possberg family’s involvement in the swine industry continued. They established Polar Pork Farms, a multi-farm pork production company in Saskatchewan.

In June 2021, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. announced an agreement to purchase four pig farms from Polar Pork including two sow barns and two nursery barns, enhancing its pig production capacity in the province.

Pay and Job Type

• Pay: Starting from $25 per hour.
• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent.

Shift and Schedule

• Shift: Day shift.
• Schedule: Monday to Friday with no weekend work.

Location

• Job Location: Humboldt, SK.

Benefits

The following benefits are available for this role:

• Company pension plan.
• Comprehensive dental care coverage.
• Disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program for mental health and wellness.
• Extended health care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• On-site parking facilities.
• Vision care.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Swine Production, the individual hired for this role will carry out responsibilities that primarily support the VP of Swine Production and the Director of Production.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support:

• Provide administrative assistance to the VP of Swine Production and the Director of Production.
• Draft and prepare various documents, such as letters, news releases, meeting minutes, presentations and briefs intended for government agencies.
• Transcribe and format contracts, agreements and other formal texts.

Coordination Tasks:

• Organize and manage agendas, meetings, appointments and travel arrangements for the leadership team.
• Coordinate employee schedules including vacations, absences and leave requests, within the department.
• Monitor timetables and ensure timely follow-up on assigned projects or files.

Corporate Activities:

• Assist in developing and organizing corporate events and activities.
• Contribute to the creation and management of the company newsletter.

Data Management:

• Maintain updated files and manage various reports and data compilations.

Additional Duties:

• Respond to donation requests.
• Execute other administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, the candidate should meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience:

• A diploma or university degree or equivalent training in a relevant field.
• Over five years of experience in a similar administrative role.

Language Proficiency:

• Strong written and spoken English.
• French proficiency would be an asset but is not mandatory.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Efficient at managing multiple files simultaneously.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly autonomous and capable of taking the initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented and methodical in task execution.
• Professional, discreet and respectful of confidentiality.
• Adept at working under pressure and adapting to a flexible, changing environment.

Additional Information

• The hourly wage for this position will depend on the candidate’s prior experience.
• The company does not have an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) to support foreign workers for this role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the primary focus of the employer’s operations?

The employer specializes in swine production, managing large-scale pig farming and associated agricultural operations.

2. When was the company established?

The company was originally founded in 1995 by Florian and Betty Possberg in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.

3. Who owns the company now?

The company was acquired by Olymel L.P., a leading Canadian agri-food enterprise, in 2013 after facing financial challenges.

4. What benefits does the employer offer?

Employees enjoy benefits like a company pension plan, dental care, disability insurance, employee assistance programs, extended health care, life insurance, on-site parking and vision care.

5. Does the company support work visa sponsorships for international employees?

No, the company does not currently have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support visa sponsorships for foreign workers.

6. What is the expected work schedule for employees?

Employees typically work a Monday-to-Friday schedule with day shifts and no weekend work.

7. What qualifications are required for administrative roles?

Candidates need at least five years of experience in a similar position, proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong organizational skills and excellent communication abilities.

8. What are the primary responsibilities of administrative roles?

Administrative roles include supporting executives, managing schedules, drafting documents, coordinating meetings and handling data management.

9. What is the starting pay for positions at the company?

The starting pay for this role begins at $25 per hour with adjustments based on experience and qualifications.

10. Where is the job location?

The job is based in Humboldt, Saskatchewan and requires in-person attendance.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a renowned leader in the swine production industry, known for its strong commitment to excellence and innovation. With roots in Humboldt, Saskatchewan and a legacy of impactful contributions to agriculture, the employer provides a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth.

Joining this team means working alongside seasoned professionals who value dedication organization and efficiency, offering a chance to enhance your career in a stable and supportive workplace.

The job comes with a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that your health, well-being and future are well-cared for. From dental care and disability insurance to an employee assistance program and a company pension plan, the organization demonstrates its commitment to supporting its employees.

The structured Monday-to-Friday schedule also allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance, giving you time to focus on personal goals while excelling professionally.

If you’re seeking a role that offers competitive pay, meaningful responsibilities and a chance to make a difference in a progressive industry, this opportunity is perfect for you. Your skills and experience will be highly valued in this position with the potential for long-term stability and career advancement.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of a company that recognizes and rewards hard work – apply now to take the next step in your career journey!