Burnac Produce

Lui Lanzillotta

Produce Industry Steward

Brief Overview of Background

With over 25 years of experience in human resources and business, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors. My career has spanned roles in unionized and non-unionized environments, allowing me to develop a well-rounded understanding of diverse workplace dynamics. As the Director of Human Resources for Burnac Produce Ltd., I am leading the development of a new HR infrastructure, working closely with executive leadership to shape and implement the company’s people strategy. My key focus areas currently include fostering leadership development, strengthening organizational culture and retention, strategic workforce planning and guiding change management initiatives aimed at driving both employee engagement and key business outcomes.

A Comprehensive Approach to Talent and Culture

At our company, we embrace a forward-thinking approach to talent by “hiring for attitude and developing for success.” This philosophy emphasizes identifying candidates with growth potential and a natural alignment with our culture, fostering an engaged and motivated team from the start. Employees who share our values bring heightened dedication, discretionary effort and a commitment to longterm growth.

“Change is the only constant in our industry and in life and thriving in this industry demands passion and a relentless commitment to growth”

We are in the process of designing a talent development program that recognizes the demands on our managers and supports their leadership efforts effectively. This program will combine interactive workshops, experiential learning and personalized coaching to promote continuous growth while respecting the time constraints of busy leaders. Retention will be further strengthened through strategic engagement and recognition initiatives, along with career pathways that align individual aspirations with organizational success. In addition, the program will cultivate leadership skills within a comprehensive workforce planning and succession framework, ensuring we build a strong, adaptable team prepared to thrive in an evolving industry.

Our HR strategy is a blend of proactive vision and strategic precision, placing a premium on strong employer branding and cultivating long-term employee growth. With agility at its core, our approach harmonizes a dedicated team with a flexible workforce, empowering us to navigate production peaks and seasonal demands seamlessly. We emphasize cross-training and succession planning to ensure workforce stability, while continuous market insights enable us to adapt swiftly to evolving resource needs. This adaptability ensures we meet shifting demands without compromising on talent quality. Additionally, our rewards program is thoughtfully designed to celebrate and retain high performers, nurturing a culture of excellence, commitment and inspired achievement.

In addition to our hiring philosophy, we cultivate engagement through open and ongoing communication and recognition programs that celebrate both individual and team achievements. This engagement is strategically planned over a 12-month period, ensuring consistency and alignment with our social media branding strategy— allowing us to authentically practice what we preach.

"Change is the only constant in our industry and in life and thriving in this industry demands passion and a relentless commitment to growth."

By integrating our values into every interaction and aligning them with our strategic goals, we fuel collaboration and accountability, sustaining a vibrant, high-performing workplace. This deliberate approach ensures our culture remains deeply rooted in our core values, providing a powerful foundation for shared success and innovation.

Safety, Compliance and Future Workforce Planning

Safety is paramount at our organization, supported by rigorous protocols, regular training and comprehensive audits to ensure full compliance. We uphold high standards, consistently recognized with industry accolades, including maintaining an esteemed AA rating from BRC Global Standards. We keep employee certifications up to date, reinforcing safety as a company-wide responsibility shared across all levels—not solely HR’s domain. HR collaborates closely with departmental leaders to monitor adherence and address any safety concerns promptly. Through monthly safety meetings, thorough inspections and structured reporting mechanisms, we ensure every team remains aligned and proactive in sustaining a safe, compliant work environment.

In the fresh produce sector, I foresee increased automation and a growing demand for tech-savvy skills, which are shaping our strategic workforce planning. To prepare for these changes, I am considering upskilling employees, exploring new technologies and fostering adaptability across our teams. We are also assessing our future talent needs to align with organizational growth objectives, ensuring we have the right people in the right roles.

Additionally, we remain informed about the expectations of the multigenerational workforce, allowing us to tailor our initiatives to engage and support our employees effectively. This proactive and data-driven approach positions us to navigate future industry changes while aligning our workforce with our long-term vision for success.

Industry Insights and Advice for Professionals

Change is the only constant in our industry and in life, and thriving in this industry demands passion and a relentless commitment to growth. This isn’t just a job; it’s a field that inspires you to push boundaries, evolve and become your best. In the fast-paced world of fresh produce, there’s no room for excuses—only opportunities to embrace challenges, find solutions and adapt with resilience. Building strong relationships across functions and prioritizing safety, sustainability and well-being in every decision are essential. By staying flexible, resilient and empowering your team’s growth, you set the stage not only for personal success but also for the lasting success of the entire organization.