Kay Ryan

About me

I was born/grew up in: Canso, Nova Scotia   

I now live in: Harbour Breton, Newfoundland and Labrador

I completed my training/education at: High School, Guysborough, Nova Scotia. I have many years of working in the industry and completed years of on-the job training within the company including HACCP training and Safe Food for Ready to Eat program.

What I do at work

My main activities involve managing the daily operations of the salmon processing plant. This includes seafood production. I also work with our quality management team so that we deliver a safe and healthy product to the consumer.  I report directly to the CEO of the Barry Group on a daily basis, coordinate production volumes and logistics. I also report all relevant information concerning aquaculture production volumes to government authorities.

I manage all aspects for a high quality food-processing business. I prepare annual budgets and approve all expenses related to the operation. I work with unionized employees and negotiate the collective agreements. I also oversee Occupational Health and Safety work very closely. I also implement the HACCP and Quality Management programs. I am also responsible for payroll, accounts payable and receivables staff.

I use computer programs, scanners, and databases for all production information. We also use specialized processing equipment in the processing plant. In this industry, we have to problem solved on a regular basis. Some problems that often arise are staff shortages; weather related delays, as well as issues with packaging and transporting. I am the manager but when changes are being made, I involve the rest of the management team for input. I will also discuss the changes with our head office. There is a production team of quality control managers, quality inspectors, production managers and floor supervisors.

My career path is

I have been in the fishery all my life. I have worked as a plant manager with all types of species, from ground fish to shellfish operations, all over the Atlantic Provinces. I took programs at work and learned on the job. Atlantic salmon was a new challenge when it was introduced to the area. I enjoyed learning the new aspects of the harvesting and processing cycle.

I am motivated by

I get excited with challenges and change. I am energized by the fast pace and never-ending changes in this industry.  The best part of my position is that I am in control of the processing plant and get to work closely with owners of the company.

I have been working in the fishing industry for 40 years and I have never felt burn out. I enjoy learning new things daily. If I can feel productive every day then I know I have made a difference.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I am very proud of the high quality seafood products that we produce. I enjoy helping create employment for people and their families. It gives me job satisfaction when we see people being able to remain in their communities to raise their families.

Outside of work I

I like being active; walking and jogging helps me relax. I also enjoy traveling.

My advice to others

If you want to learn about jobs in aquaculture, you should talk to people in the industry. Check into programs that off work terms or for projects that are offered to students within the aquaculture industry. To keep up with the jobs that are available in the sector, follow the NAIA web site and keep up on new career opportunity with in the industry.