Agriculture Recruiting Specialty: Finance and Agri-business

Canada's agricultural climate is ever-changing. To accommodate this constant evolution, the agri-finance and agri-business sectors must adapt accordingly. A shortage in the agricultural labour pool means filling vacancies in finance and agri-business has become more difficult. Despite the perks of banker's hours and urban locations, agri-finance vacancies in Calgary, Regina, Toronto and Winnipeg are notoriously tough to fill. Those same job openings in rural locations like High Level, High River, Lethbridge, Ituna, Boggy Creek and Swift Current are a staffing manager's worst nightmare. That's why AgCall Human Resources is extremely beneficial for the agri-finance and agri-business industries. Our agriculture recruiters have a proven track record of filling agri-business vacancies in rural or remote locations. With over six thousand resumes in our agriculture database and access to up-and-coming talent from Canada's best business schools, recruitment with AgCall Human Resources can put you ahead in the agricultural candidate recruitment arena. We source: Farm Resource Economists, Account / Relationship Manager, Account / Business Managers, Economic Development Officers, Agricultural Loan Officers, Insurance Agents, Business Development Managers, Agricultural Appraisers, Commercial Lenders, Financial Planners, Small Business & Farm Lenders, Investment Advisors, Personal Bankers, Agriculture Business Consultants, Farm Lenders and more.

New to the agricultural industry? Not sure what different careers entail? Looking for some specific job descriptions? Take a look at a few highlighted job titles with mini-descriptions!

Agri-business Lending Manager

An agri-business lending manager is responsible for approving and documenting all loan files for a variety of agricultural business clients, and must ensure that all lending activities are in compliance with all legislation, regulations, policies and procedures. Specifically, this career has responsibility for ensuring strong business development in the community, but also fair and balanced lending practices on behalf of the employer.

In this type of position you might implement and monitor departmental targets and marketing plans, develop, recommend and implement changes to lending strategies, policies and procedures, adjudicate credit loan requests, monitor administration of loan files, monitor delinquent accounts and maintain acceptable delinquent ratio, and recommend lending limits to all credit granting staff for approval.

Agriculture Communications Manager

Generally trained in business and communications, these people take the science and technology of the agricultural business and make it understandable to ordinary people. Many Communications Managers will create news bulletins, press releases and will ensure they correctly and positively communicate corporate messages to general stakeholders, such as the general public, government agencies, and customers.

Business Development Analyst

A good idea and hard work aren't enough to get a biotech or new ag company going. Start-up companies usually need money too. Many companies turn to venture capitalists and venture capital funds who provide start-up cash to new, high technology companies in exchange for part ownership. Venture capital funds, however, must be thorough in their assessment to determine which companies will pay off. A business development analyst judges whether a company's science, development or process is strong enough to merit investment funds.

Business Programme Manager

As will any company, the agricultural sector needs business people like lawyers. Instead of arguing cases in court, negotiating and analytical skills are put in agriculture! Contracts and negotiations especially when dealing with patents and research are key components in many Programme Management positions. General items that are dealt with in these contracts include: what work has to be done, who is responsible for which jobs and who owns the end results.

Industrial Adviser

Agriculture advances at a rapid rate. Areas specific to bio technologies are simply one example! A biotech company starts off as an idea. A person or a group of researchers believe they can create a better treatment for cancer, for example. They found their company, convince people to invest money in the project, hire employees and start the process of making that idea a product which can be sold.

During this process, a company may encounter difficulties or problems. Their research programme may not produce results as fast as they had planned. They may need more investments in the company but don't know where to turn for the capital. In situations like this, companies can find help and advice in the person of Bill Dobson, an industrial technology adviser.

Junior or Senior Appraiser

Working as a professional appraiser in the agriculture and food industry might mean using your analytical skills to offer independent appraisal and agricultural consulting services across Alberta or Canada. In this career you will work towards building a reputation of delivering high quality assessment and reporting in the industry, excellent results, and professional opinions that withstand scrutiny. In addition to real property appraisals you might be involved in loss-of-use studies, income loss analysis, financial viability reviews, litigation support and First Nation land claims issues.

Key Account Manager

Key Account Managers develop and maintain a close relationship with each client, and serve as the main conduit of information with these clients. Understanding, anticipating and interpreting the customers' needs, goals and plans is a key part of the job. Equally important is understanding the competition - who they are, what they offer and what role their products and services play in the industry. Combining these essential understandings with comprehensive product knowledge, Key Account Managers are able to best position company products to serve the current or emerging needs of the customer.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Agriculture is highly regulated and agricultural companies must meet standards and requirements set forth by the national government. A constant exchange of information between the company and the government exists to ensure products and processes meet these safety and utility tests designed to protect consumers. As the director of regulatory affairs, significant time and resources are spent coordinating the staff handling that information, and ensuring the company's products are approved for sale.