Cermaq Newfoundland | Marystown, NL
Venor is proud to partner with our client, Cermaq Newfoundland, in the recruitment of a Operations Manager for their Marystown operation.
About Cermaq
Cermaq is an international salmon farming company, which prides itself on playing a leadership role in the global sector. We have a team of more than 3500 employees across Chile, Canada and Norway. A committed team that is proud to grow nutritious seafood for a competitive global market. At Cermaq, you become part of a meaningful and consistently developing workplace. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, where you will be able to grow and learn in a rapidly advancing and dynamic sector. We support our employees’ personal development and make it possible for you to realize new ideas and initiatives. Our culture is informal and dedicated. We are smart people in rubber boots. We care for each other, for the environment and for our communities.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Seawater Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the coordination of harvests, setting up sea sites, managing logistics at sea, and providing resource assistance for sea operations. The Operations Manager collaborates closely with the production team to identify the requirement for establishing sea sites. This includes procuring necessary equipment, scheduling work with service vessels, and overseeing site set up prior to the entry of smolts. Additionally, the Operations Manager manages the work of any contracted vessels throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee planning, installation, and maintenance of sea sites, ensuring compliance with regulatory, biosecurity, and operational standards, including cages, nets, moorings, and site infrastructure.
- Develop and communicate detailed work plans for large service vessels, including daily/long-term tasks, maintenance schedules, and resource allocation.
- Ensure efficient vessel use for harvesting, fish health interventions, net changes, and other essential aquaculture activities.
- Work with the Seawater Director to manage capital expenditures (Capex) and operational expenses (Opex), ensuring cost-effective spending and financial target adherence.
- Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and cost-control measures while meeting operational needs.
- Oversee procurement, deployment, and maintenance of sea site equipment (cages, nets, moorings, buoys, etc.).
- Work with the Maintenance Coordinator to develop maintenance schedules, coordinate mobilization/demobilization, and ensure equipment reliability.
- Support negotiations with service vessel providers to secure favourable terms and ensure contract compliance.
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships focused on reliability, cost efficiency, and safety/environmental standards.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through training and leadership.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to improve operational efficiency and problem-solving.
- Ensure full compliance with Cermaq group policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Aquaculture, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Biology, or a related field.
- Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture is an asset.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
- Leadership or management training is considered an asset.
- Minimum of 3-5 relevant work experience or a combination of education and experience, preferably in a seawater and/or aquaculture environment.
- Experience in managing multi-site or remote operations (strong asset).
Skills & Abilities
- Strong planning and organizational skills to manage maintenance schedules and priorities.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to guide, develop, and hold teams accountable.
- Strong safety leadership in high-risk operational environments.
- Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced settings.
- Experience managing vendors, suppliers, and contract negotiations.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements (environmental, fish health, OH&S).
- Strong understanding of SOPs, maintenance systems, and operational processes.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
- Proficiency with computer systems and reporting tools.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
Employment with Cermaq
Cermaq is proud to support their employees health, wellbeing and work-life balance with the following perks and benefits:
- Sick, personal, and vacation leave.
- Employee Assistance Program with confidential counselling and wellness support.
- RRSP company matching up to 5%.
- Group benefits with cost-shared medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Career development opportunities.
- Safety-focused culture with a commitment to a safe, healthy, and respectful work environment.
We embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know (including different materials or otherwise).
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact, Ryan Thistle at rthistle@venor.ca OR Jessica Tibbs at jtibbs@venor.ca