Careers

About Oppy

Grow Our Tomorrow.  Oppy is a leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world. As one of North America’s top produce companies for over 165 years, we bring over 100 varieties of produce from 27 countries to 1,300+ retailers in North America and throughout the world. As much as agriculture has shaped the past for humankind, Oppy’s efforts shape its future by sustainably providing families with healthy, safe and fresh produce to create a better quality of life for all. Our progressive team is called to a higher purpose that raises the economic wellbeing of families and communities who work the land.

Recognized as one Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 22 years!) and a BC Top Employer, our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Grow your tomorrow with us, today.

The Opportunity

Are you a results-driven, dynamic and pragmatic leader that is experienced in working cross-functionally to execute a diverse portfolio of sustainability projects? Join us as our Sustainability Lead, where you’ll play a key role in shaping and executing the company’s sustainability initiatives across the company. Collaborating with teams such as Grower Relations, Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain, you’ll help craft a sustainability strategy that aligns with our long-term goals while mitigating risk. As a strategic partner to senior leaders, you’ll guide decision-making, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the core of our business. In this diverse role, you will take the lead in project management, tracking milestones, and delivering results, while engaging with growers, retailers, and other key stakeholders. Plus, you’ll stay ahead of the curve by advising on legislative and market trends that impact our sustainability efforts.

Please Note: In-office attendance is required for the first 6-months of training and the position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule following the training period depending on team needs.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of an overarching company sustainability strategy, pillars, and associated systems in collaboration with senior leaders, aligning initiatives with strategic goals to drive measurable impact.
• Supports the company’s innovation strategy, acting as a project lead in key grower innovation projects, collaborating with internal functions to create detailed implementation plans for assigned projects.
• Establishes a robust project management framework for agreed upon sustainability and innovation projects, setting clear goals and performance metrics to track and optimize effectiveness.
• Leads data collection and consolidation for retailer sustainability surveys, with a focused emphasis on the Walmart Project Gigaton, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Drives transparency and accountability by managing comprehensive sustainability reporting across the company including, but not limited to, greenhouse gas emissions, packaging impact, food waste and social responsibility volume and certifications.
• Partners with Category leaders and Grower Relations to provide actionable guidance to growers, facilitating a clear path for product entry into the marketplace while supporting sustainable practices.
• Acts as the primary point of contact for social compliance certifiers such as Fair Trade, Equitable Food Initiative, Fair Food Program, Ethical Charter Program, etc. and guides growers as appropriate in maintaining certification requirements.
• Supports a culture of sustainability and innovation by spearheading a comprehensive internal communication strategy, educating the wider organisation on strategies and projects.
• Collaborates with the Packaging and Private Label Project Manager to recommend sustainable packaging trials, driving innovation and reducing environmental impact.
• Proactively monitors legislative changes with sustainability or social implications, alerting senior management to potential risks and opportunities for the company and its grower base.
• Develops and presents practical and compelling business-focused presentations on key sustainability initiatives, issues or topics for key stakeholders, acts as an ambassador for the company in sustainability and innovation.
• Identifies and recommends innovative projects that enhance grower sustainability, advancing both environmental and business goals.
• Leads the planning and communication efforts surrounding Dole’s sustainability reporting, ensuring alignment with Oppy’s goals and timely data sharing.
• Drives execution of sustainability action items in alignment with Oppy’s annual strategic plan, ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous progress.
• Owns the creation and accuracy of Oppy’s annual sustainability disclosure document, ensuring it reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and progress.
• Represents Oppy on industry sustainability committees, advocating for best practices and advancing the company’s position as an industry leader in sustainability.

Required Competencies

• Proactive, results-driven leader with exceptional interpersonal and influence skills, capable of building strong relationships across all levels and departments to drive collaboration and achieve goals.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate high volumes of activity efficiently, while maintaining focus on both strategic objectives and day-to-day execution.
• Strong problem solver with proven ability to structure complex issues and develop effective solutions. Adaptable and resourceful, consistently navigating challenges with resilience and determination.
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, concise recommendations for senior leadership and other stakeholders. Skilled in both written and verbal communication.
• Advanced project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, stay on top of deadlines, and manage projects independently, ensuring successful execution under varying conditions.
• Confident executive presence, able to effectively tailor communication and analysis for senior audiences, while remaining calm, positive, and poised.
• Self-motivated and resourceful, with a passion for continuous learning, self-improvement, and a results-oriented mindset. Tenacious in overcoming obstacles and always striving to make a meaningful impact.
• Collaborative team player known for building positive relationships with diverse teams, bridging gaps, and fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to adapt to new tools as necessary.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support business objectives and build relationships.
• Educational foundation in business, with a preference for experience in retail or agri-business to complement theoretical knowledge and provide practical insights in navigating real-world challenges.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in sustainability compliance, planning and reporting
• Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in sustainable business, sustainable agriculture, or environmental science and economics preferred
• Fresh produce experience an asset

Why Oppy

• We are the perfect size of organization that is still nimble but yet organized, where meaningful impact and contributions happen;
• We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other.  We want our people to grow and succeed;
• We believe in you bringing your best true self and your best ideas, because diverse perspectives contribute to better problem solving and solutions in a dynamic and ever evolving industry;
• We support your professional development and health with educational reimbursement and wellness programs;
• We offer a comprehensive total compensation package that includes defined contribution pension plan, extended health care, lifestyle/health spending account, tuition reimbursement and more.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.