Overview

Title of Position : Vice-President & General Manager – Seafood Wholesale & Global Trade (NOC 00014)

Employer : H&M Western Trading Inc.

Location of Work : 2264 Jefferson Avenue, West Vancouver, BC V7V 2A8, Canada

Terms of Employment : Permanent Full-Time

Wage : $102,000 per annum (or $49.04 per hour)

Weekly Hours : 40 hours a week

H&M Western Trading Inc. is an established and rapidly expanding Canadian seafood wholesale company specializing in both Canadian and international seafood products. We are ramping up company sales, establishing rigorous quality standards, implementing specialized customer SOPs, and optimizing global logistics. We are seeking a visionary and experienced VICE-PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER to lead this international growth, ensuring world-class product quality and compliance across all major global markets.

Job Duties (Primary Responsibilities):

The Vice-President & General Manager will plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate the overall operations of the company, focusing heavily on international sourcing, financial performance, logistics, quality assurance, and strategic global wholesale distribution.

1. Financial and Strategic Leadership:

• Establish strategies, provide financial leadership and oversight for all company operations. This includes reviewing company financial statements such as Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, sales reports, and debtors/creditors control reports.
• Drive revenue growth, execute strategic budgeting, and cost control.
• Develop and execute the strategic plan and business structure necessary to scale international operations and ensure long-term profitability.

2. Global Sourcing, Procurement & Quality Management:

• Sourcing and negotiations for seafood products for distribution within Canada and internationally.
• Direct the strategy for sourcing diverse seafood products (Tuna, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Squid, etc.) from key markets, specifically Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Reunion Island, and others.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for sourcing premium Canadian seafood (Canadian Bluefin Tuna, Canadian Lobsters, Atlantic Salmon, BC Halibut, Black Cod, Sea Urchins, Spot Prawns etc.) for export to wholesale customers in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia where we have longstanding customers.
• Oversee and ensure rigorous quality standards, including Fresh Grading and Quality Assessment. Knowledge of seafood processing, product-wise specific cuts, recovery percentages, packaging, and shipping standards is mandatory.
• Ability to set up fish processing and storage plants to optimize production efficiency, and knowledge/hands-on experience in managing US FDA/European Union standard fish processing and export plant are essential.

3. Regulatory & Operational Compliance:

• Maintain in-depth knowledge and ensure strict adherence to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements for the importation and export of seafood.
• Act as a primary liaison with such authorities.

4. Logistics and Distribution:

• Manage the wholesale distribution network to major hubs including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, the USA, Europe, and Asia.
• Understanding of Air Transportation packaging, different containers, pallets used, tracking shipments, and arranging cargo delivery.
• Liaise with different airlines, freight & logistic companies for optimized services and delivery.
• Direct and monitor Logistics and Delivery process to ensure proper handling, storage, and delivery of fresh and frozen seafood products to maintain highest product quality to discerning customers.

5. Customer Relations and Distribution:

• Develop and manage strategic client relationship building and business development with high-end, sophisticated clientele and specialized Wholesale Distribution Companies.
• Direct marketing of seafood to sophisticated customers demanding highest quality.

6. Staff Recruitment & Management:

• Recruiting, training, directing and mentoring staff to meet Education, Experience & Expertise expectations.

Education, Experience & Expertise Requirements:

Education

Post-Secondary education credentials in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a related field. Management or Accounting training/certificate is required.

Experience

Ten (10) years of senior management experience (e.g., Vice-President, General Manager, Director) specifically within the seafood processing, Import/Export wholesale and buying industry, with direct experience handling sophisticated wholesale customers in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and other Asian countries.

Required Expertise

Proven leadership in financial management (budgeting, cost control, P&L review) and strategic planning and business development.

Highly skilled in sourcing Fresh Grading, Quality Assessment, and possessing excellent, long-standing supplier relationships (10+ years) in key Asian source countries (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, etc.).

Documented experience in participating in major global seafood events over the past ten (10) years, such as the North America Seafood Expo (Boston) and Seafood Expo Global (Europe – Brussels/Barcelona).

Added advantage given to candidate with existing clients in Canada, USA, Japan and Europe for Canadian Seafood products.

Language of work:

English – Read, write and speak fluently.

Benefits:

15 business days per year of paid vacation in addition to the usual Statutory Holidays, standard employee benefit plan – Medical, Dental and Vision.  Discretionary bonus based on company budget achievement percentage.

Contact Information

Apply by email with resume to:

Email: jobs@hmtuna.com
or via the Job bank portal

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Category of applicant:

Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.