Careers
Build your career at one of London's top employers
For over 150 years we've brought people together and are always looking for talented people to join us!
Current Career Opportunities:
Agri-Business Manager – Agricultural Events and AgRobotics (Maternity Leave)
Reports to: Director of Agri-Business
Western Fair District is seeking a dynamic and experienced Agri-Business Manager to join our team on a maternity leave contract through November 2026. This exciting role offers a unique opportunity to lead a range of signature agricultural events while also contributing to innovation in agri-food technology and robotics through Innovation Farms Ontario and the AgRobotics Working Group (ARWG).
Combining traditional event management with progressive leadership in agricultural innovation, this role is ideal for a professional with a strong agricultural background and a passion for advancing technology within the sector.
Key Responsibilities:
Agricultural Event Leadership
- Lead the planning and execution of major ag events including the National Poultry Show, London Farm Show, and livestock displays at the Western Fair.
- Manage all aspects of event development: budgeting, logistics, exhibitor coordination, team leadership, and post-event evaluation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Security to ensure successful execution.
- Act as the on-site event lead during setup, event days, and teardown.
AgRobotics & Innovation Program Management
- Lead the AgRobotics Working Group, fostering partnerships with producers, researchers, vendors, and funding partners.
- Budget & track finances for the AgRobotics Working Group and Innovation Farms Ontario, including ensuring reporting deadlines are met between each project.
- Manage research projects and demonstration initiatives aimed at accelerating agri-tech adoption.
- Organize Knowledge Translation & Transfer (KTT) activities, industry demos, and student-focused programs.
- Oversee the development of the AgRobotics Lab at The Grove.
Systems & Technology
- Gain an understanding for Ungerboeck event management software: training, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Agriculture, Event Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in agricultural events, programming, or innovation-focused projects.
- Strong understanding of Ontario’s agri-food sector and emerging ag technologies.
- Strong skills in project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with industry associations, research organizations, or public-sector partners is an asset.
- Ability to track time allocated between different projects and events, ensuring funding guidelines are met and timing is managed properly.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Ungerboeck software preferred.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during key events.
- Valid driver’s license required.
A portion of this role’s wage is funded through the AgRobotics Working Group and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as a portion through Innovation Farms Ontario, funded by FCC AgExpert. The applicant is required to manage time allocations between each project.
Where and when to APPLY?
Resumes and cover letters can be submitted to hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com )
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.
Western Fair District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Western Fair District accommodates job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, human resources will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs.
Why Join us
Be a part of one-of-a-kind exciting projects, working for a Not-for-Profit Agricultural Society that reinvests in its people and our community... all while having a little bit of fun!
Our Culture
We are a not-for-profit Agricultural Society that has deep roots in the City of London and southwestern Ontario. The ‘District’ is committed to providing experiences that enrich your life and the community and as part of our “not-for-profit” status, we reinvest our revenue surpluses into our staff, our facilities, and programming to meet the needs of our community. We give our employees the opportunity to grow professionally, and personally all while being a part of a team that is…
- Proud
- Energetic
- Highly-principled
- Dedicated
- Imaginative
The Perks
- Commitment to professional growth and development through training opportunities
- Competitive compensation
- Flexible work arrangements
- Engagement events
- Extended Health Benefits*
- Yearly fitness credit*
- Employer-matched defined-contribution pension program*
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* For eligible employees
Rewarding Dedication
We're over 150 years strong, and we traditionally acknowledge and share our thanks with our long service employees. Reward levels begin at 10 years and move up in 5-year increments. Employees of all service levels are significant, and we can say we have celebrated 30, 40, and 50-year service employees! Yes, that’s right!
Be Yourself
Employees are encouraged to ask questions and be empowered to make decisions. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to create a stimulating and open workplace that promotes teamwork, fairness, respect, and diversity.
We also provide accommodations to employees with special needs. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs.
Social Impact
From the beginning, we've brought people and communities together to celebrate what life has to offer. Agri-food, our community, and sustainability are all important parts of our past, present, and future. Our Change for Change program allows employees to donate a portion of their paycheck to their charity of choice, which we then match in contribution. One of our sustainability projects is The Wormery, it utilizes green waste, reduces emissions, and creates a natural fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Learn about The Wormery here
We invest in the development and growth of thousands of youth, students, local artists, performers, and athletes annually through various programs and facilities. (e.g. Rise2Fame, Learn To Skate, School Agri-Food Education, Day of Dreams, and more.)
CAP is our Community Access Program that makes a small difference in the lives of individuals and families who cannot access entertainment or events without a support person or are living on fixed incomes.
Our Donation Committee supports hundreds of local/regional non-profit organizations with donations, silent auction items, and gift cards to help them raise funds for individual causes, for the betterment of the communities we serve.
We are committed to corporate social responsibility and is one of our strategic initiatives.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about employment, please email hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (subject: General%20Question) (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com)
If you're interested in working at the District, please send your resume and cover letter to hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (subject: Employment%20Opportunities) (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com )
