The Interim Manager of Program Operations is responsible for supporting the effective operational management and delivery of agricultural and environmental programs administered by the organization. This role ensures programs are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with funding agreements and established procedures. The Interim Manager of Program Operations oversees day-to-day operations, supervises staff, liaises with government administrators, and ensures the quality and consistency of all program delivery activities.

This term position is for up to 12 months after which and upon performance reviews, organizational needs, and applicable approvals, the candidate may have the opportunity to: 1) renew/extend their Manager of Program Operations employee agreement, and/or 2) return to their pervious internal position, and/or 3) advance to the vacant Senior Manager of Program Operations position.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Program Delivery and Operations

- With support from the Director of Agriculture Programs, manage the day-to-day delivery of programs, ensuring timelines, assisting with budgets, and performance targets are met.
- Ensure accurate processing and review of cost-share applications and claims in accordance with program terms and conditions.
- Ensure quality control processes are in place to maintain consistency, fairness, and accuracy in adjudication and reporting.
- Monitor operational performance, troubleshoot delivery challenges, and recommend process improvements.
- Support the development and implementation of program tracking systems, databases, and reporting tools.

Program Administration and Compliance

- With support from the Director of Agriculture Programs,



ensure all program activities comply with delivery agreements, funding contracts, and internal policies.
- Prepare and in some cases submit operational reports and performance summaries to funding agents and senior leadership for oversight and transparency.
- With support from the Director of Agriculture Programs, maintain accurate and complete program records, documentation, and financial tracking.
- Support audits, evaluations, and performance reviews of program operations.

Budgeting and Reporting

- Assist with developing and administering program budgets and tracking expenditures against approved allocations.
- Assist with oversee financial compliance processes and coordinate timely, accurate reporting for cost-share and funding programs.
- Contribute to forecasting and operational analyses to support continuous program improvement.
- Contribute directly to the development and implementation of work plans, progress reporting, to ensure program objectives are achieved on time and within budget.

Team Leadership

- Supervise senior program staff (including Program Team Lead and Agriculture Advisor Liaison), providing day-to-day guidance, training, mentoring, performance evaluations and feedback.
- Promote a collaborative, positive, and efficient team environment.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of staff as needed.





Stakeholder and Partner Relations

- Serve as a point of contact and support outreach efforts to inquiries from government program administrators, agricultural partners, and producers.
- Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate program planning, communications, and delivery.
- Attend tradeshows, conferences, and public events, ensuring professional visibility and consistency of messaging.
- Maintain stakeholder feedback mechanisms to inform future program design and improvement.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with communications, finance, and IT teams to align messaging and systems integration.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

- Contribute to the development of evaluation frameworks and performance measures for programs.
- Identify opportunities to improve delivery efficiency and participant experience.
- Oversee the coordination, development, and ongoing maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- With support from the Director of Agriculture Programs, coordinate the development of post-program evaluation reports and recommendations.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education: A post-secondary degree in related fields (e.g. natural resource management, agriculture, soil science, biology, agronomy, agricultural biosecurity) is required. A graduate degree in a related field is considered an asset. A post-secondary degree in public administration, or leadership management is considered an asset.

Skilled credentials – Earned from professional associations that verify specialized knowledge in leadership competence. Memberships in professional organizations, (Advanced Agricultural Leadershi

📌 Interim Manager of Program Operations (Guelph)
🏢 Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
📍 Guelph