Manager, Livestock Research Centres (Dairy, Beef & Sheep)

University of Guelph • Guelph/Eramosa, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Guelph is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Manager, Livestock Research Centres (Dairy, Beef, Sheep & Ponsonby). In this pivotal role, you will oversee four separate, high-intensity livestock research operations and facilities, alongside the Precision Feed Facility. This includes the Ontario Beef Research Centres (Elora and New Liskeard), the Ontario Dairy Research Centre, the Ontario Sheep Research Centre, and the Ponsonby General Animal Facilities. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring these world-class facilities continually support the research trials of over 30 faculty members and more than 50 technicians and graduate students across multiple university departments, bridging the gap between complex scientific research and commercial-scale agricultural production.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of previous related job experience in livestock management or research facility operations.
• Hands-on expertise in beef, dairy, and sheep production systems.
• Proven experience managing diverse personnel, supervising contractors, and administering multi-million-dollar operating budgets.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills under conflicting regulatory demands, competence in financial reporting systems, and a strong understanding of technical livestock equipment.
• Valid Ontario "G" Driver’s Licence.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) is an asset
• Certified Worker under the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Supervisor H&S Awareness training.
• Effective Supervisor Certificate.
• CCAC Animal Care Training modules and Livestock Medicine Certification.
• First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, Confined Space, and Working at Heights certifications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with research leaders to implement complex trials, managing the SOPs, associated with 1,500 animals under strict Animal Use Protocols.
• Provide leadership and full HR oversight—including hiring, training, and performance evaluations—for full-time staff, and contract workers while fostering a strict culture of health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Independently manage the 365-day operation of over 325,000 sq ft of livestock housing and labs overseeing all utilities, emergency repairs, and a 5-year capital project plan involving design, quotes, and contractor tendering.
• Take full accountability for budgets totaling $6.5 million in annual expenditures, while driving $5 million in annual revenue from milk and livestock sales and managing high-value procurement contracts.
• Provide key operational input on design, equipment selection, and construction deficiencies during facility redevelopments, while managing the safe transition of staff, animals, and data to new builds, and serving as the primary liaison for government agencies, industry groups, and station neighbors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager