Chief Executive Officer, Global Institute for Food Security
The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) stands at the forefront of agri-food innovation in Canada and beyond. Founded to advance sustainable food systems through discovery, development, and delivery, GIFS unites industry, academia, and government to address the complex challenges of global food security. GIFS is uniquely equipped with integrated technology platforms - from genomics and biomanufacturing to data analytics and synthetic biology - enabling full-spectrum research and commercialization under one roof. With an ambitious 2025 strategic plan and a growing international reputation, GIFS is a catalytic force for scientific excellence, economic development, and societal impact in the evolving bioeconomy. Based at the University of Saskatchewan and proximate to a number of national labs and other world-class organizations in the innovation space, GIFS is extremely well poised to be a key player in the innovation economy of Canada.
The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director (CEO) will report to the Board of Directors and provide strategic, operational, and visionary leadership across all facets of the organization. As the primary steward of GIFS’ mission, the CEO will be responsible for executing on the Strategic Plan, advancing interdisciplinary research programs, growing and diversifying revenue, and fostering productive partnerships across the agri-food value chain. The CEO will also serve as a member of the University of Saskatchewan’s senior leadership team, supporting and contributing to broader institutional strategies. With oversight of a high-performing executive team and cross-sector relationships, the CEO will lead GIFS in delivering integrated, market-responsive solutions that strengthen agri-food innovation at local, national and global levels.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with proven success in leading complex, innovation-driven organizations in the agri-food, bioscience, or research sectors. They bring deep technical fluency in agricultural science and commercialization, along with strong business acumen, strengths in stakeholder engagement, and a track record of transformational leadership. Equally critical is a values-driven leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and alignment to the mission. The successful candidate will inspire multidisciplinary teams, navigate public-private-academic ecosystems, and position GIFS for global influence through credible thought leadership, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.
With a talented Board of Directors, a supportive partner in government, a fertile research partner in the University of Saskatchewan and a network of interest-aligned partners, the sky is the limit in terms of the impact GIFS will have. This is an outstanding opportunity to advance a bold vision for sustainable agriculture and food innovation on a global scale within a province that boasts a growing economic and social enterprise.
To explore this opportunity further, please click Apply.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.
Posted Date: 11/6/2025
Closing Date: Open until filled
LI-DNI
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
