Who we are:

We are a bunch of people who really care about agriculture, food and the challenges facing farming. We want to help farmers with data driven decision making to help nature feed a growing population. Join our team of expert engineers, agronomists, entomologists, crop researchers, and data scientists who are continually conducting research to help drive innovation in agriculture.

Semios is a market leader in leveraging the internet-of-things (IoT) and big data to improve the sustainability and profitability of specialty crops. With 500 million data points being reported by our sensors every day, we leverage our big data analytics, such as in-depth pest and disease modeling, to empower tree fruit and tree nut growers with decision-making tools to minimize resources and risks.

Our innovative work has received several industry awards:

• AgTech Breakthrough Awards Program (2023)
  • Selected as winner of the “Overall Smart Irrigation Company Of The Year” award.
• Sustainability Changemaker by SDTC (2022)
  • Named as one of the companies which recognize homegrown innovation in sustainable technologies in Canada.
• AgTech Breakthrough Awards Program (2021) – Selected as winner of the "Pest Management Solutions of the Year" award.
• Google Accelerator (2020) – Selected as 1 of 9 companies for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Canada cohort, who are all using technology to solve complex challenges.
• Global CleanTech Top 100 (2020) – Identified as one of the companies best positioned to solve tomorrow’s clean technology challenges.

One of our partners produced this short video which shows what we do and our positive environmental impact.

We know our journey is only achievable by having a great team who shares ideas, tries new things and learns as we go.

The Role:

Semios is an exciting, high-growth scale-up, whose award-winning technology spans our tech, agtech and cleantech sectors. Business Enablement is a newly created function at Semios; the high-level mandate is to elevate the operational maturity of the organization – through building an AI native internal operational business engine. The VP, Business Enablement will be a key member of the senior leadership team and report directly to the CEO.

We're looking for a leader in driving transformational change in business process and operations - to enable an effective business engine. You will contribute your expertise in operational excellence (and exposure to emerging technologies) to our much-needed journey to more sustainable agriculture, a clean economy and ecosystem.

Objective:

Elevate Semios business operations through AI-native design, enabling us to achieve operational excellence, empower our team members, and fuel exponential growth.

Responsibilities:

• Internal Business Systems: Lead overall internal business systems strategy, architecture, deployment, policies, best practices and digital transformation for the organization - to optimize business functional effectiveness
• Business Systems Maintenance and Support: Manage the ongoing maintenance, upgrades and support of existing business systems, ensuring their reliability, security and performance; engage and manage relationships with external partners/vendors of business systems; ensure upgrades are managed and supported, including with cross functional support of teams.
• Vendor Management: Evaluate and select technology vendors and consulting support, negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships. Especially for products and services for use-case / problems being faced e.g., an asset tracking system for managing complex supply-chains.
• AI focus: Ensure that all business systems and processes are viewed from an AI Native lens; ensure a clear focus on iterative, incremental engagement with AI enablement and a focus on narrowing hallucination.
• Leadership: Builds and leads a high performing team, aligned to the cultural values of Semios; leads from a posture of humility; supports team transitions (movement of resources currently within business functions); manages budget with effectiveness and transparency; contributes to overall business strategy and becomes a trusted member of the leadership team.
• Teamwork: high level of communication with the leadership team to ensure business execution in tight timeframes without emergent flare-ups; strong cross functional alignment; adept at establishing clear reporting and accountability lines that cross functional organizational teams.

Experience Checklist:

• Has helped companies transform their business engine to achieve optimal effectiveness through advanced technology frameworks/architecture; this is essential
• Ideally held progressive IT leadership roles in a private sector provider of solutions to customers – specifically involved in the transformation side of IT. For example, the role of Enterprise Architect could be relevant and appropriate.
• Some exposure to strategies and considerations for using Native AI for business enablement
• A background in advanced strategic IT consulting is relevant; ideally coupled with some exposure to an in-house role
• Exposure to technology-enabled change in an organization with manufacturing, distribution, inventory & supply chain – involving rollouts of CRM/ERM solutions
• IoT industry experience will be very relevant
• Experience of innovative tech and high-growth environments involving rapid change and transformation will be extremely helpful
• Experience in organization of comparable size and complexity (ideal range between 200 – 500 staff)

Skills & Competencies:

• Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of various business systems, enterprise software, and technology platforms commonly used in tech and related industries. This includes knowledge of ERP systems, CRM systems, data analytics tools, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Systems Architecture, evaluation and design: Robust exposure to systems structures, data systems and database systems.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to align business systems with the organization's strategic goals and objectives. This involves analyzing business processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing a roadmap for implementing technology solutions that drive business value.
• Leadership and Team Management: The capability to lead and inspire a team of business analysts, developers, and system administrators. This includes setting clear goals, providing guidance and support, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Business Acumen: Within the context of where you have worked, a deep understanding of the organization's industry, business model, and operational processes; effectively translate business requirements into technical solutions and make informed decisions that align with the organization's overall strategy.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders; demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors.
• Project Management: Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools to successfully plan, execute, and deliver business system projects on time and within budget. This includes resource allocation, risk management, and effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Change Management: Experience in managing organizational change related to the implementation of new business systems. This involves effectively communicating changes, addressing resistance, and ensuring smooth transitions to minimize disruption to business operations.

Requirements

Location:

This position will be based at the Semios Global HQ in Vancouver, BC. Semios trusts its people to do their best work from home or the office, with flexible hybrid environments depending on the function and preferences of each team. Since this role requires deep relationship building across the business and building of a team, the expectation will be that this VP will be in the Mount Pleasant office as much as working from home. This is not a remote position.

Work Eligibility:

Applicants must be based within commuting distance of Vancouver, BC to be considered for this role, and legally able to work in Canada.

Application Process:

Semios has entrusted Elaine Grotefeld at Latitude Cleantech Search to help them recruit for this important role. Please apply directly through this posting, applications will be forwarded to Elaine in confidence. Alternatively, please contact Elaine directly to ask questions and learn more by emailing her on [email protected] or through LinkedIin.

Elaine and Latitude commit to engaging with you in a respectful and transparent manner throughout this process and to respecting the confidentiality of any documents or information shared.

Salary range: $200,000 to $230,000 per year + bonus

Please note that the base pay offered may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and experience, as well as business and organizational needs.

Benefits

Why this is the opportunity for you:

• Sleep better knowing you're making the world a better place through more sustainable food production
• Opportunity to contribute and make an impact by working on meaningful projects
• Work with a team that values fun, laughter, and each other in a collaborative and casual work environment
• Flexible working arrangements and strong work-life balance culture
• Multiple office locations, convenient via transit and bike paths
• Extended medical plan with a Health Spending Account with premiums paid by the company
• Group RRSP, which includes a 3% company paid match after one year of employment

At Semios, we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish and we welcome everyone.