Operations Manager - Agronomy

Agronomy Operations Manager

WHO WE ARE- AgBest, LLC is a farmer owned cooperative with Agronomy and Energy branches located throughout East Central Indiana since 1930. AgBest offers a broad range of agricultural inputs and custom services to support the varied farming operations in our market. We provide major product lines including petroleum and LP gas, feed, fertilizer, crop protection and seed. In addition, we offer related services that include custom application, grain marketing and consultation. AgBest serves patrons in Delaware, Blackford, Jay, Wells, Eastern Grant and Western Randolph Counties and we distinguish ourselves from our competitors by providing efficient service, excellent products and superior customer service. Additionally, our AgBest Express division includes self-service gas station and convenience stores offering top tier CountryMark gasoline refined from American crude oil. AgBest strives to develop meaningful relationships with our customers and employees. AgBest employees are essential in maintaining our values and continuing our growth. At AgBest, we look for individuals who are committed to excellence, integrity, and safety.

AgBest is currently searching for a well-qualified Agronomy Operations Manager who is a dedicated professional able to lead an established and profitable Agronomy Center located in City, Indiana.

Job Summary

The Agronomy Operations Manager is a high-level position for a multi-location Ag retailer offering long-term career growth opportunities. As a member of the Agronomy leadership team, the Agronomy Operations Manager will report directly to the Agronomy Branch Manager and will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility working to align agronomy strategy to sales goals. This position plans, organizes, and directs all agronomic services and educational activity for a team of Sales Agronomists, Custom Applicators, Drivers and Support Laborers, and Administration within their assigned area of responsibility. You will work in tandem with the Agronomy Salesforce, Custom Applicators, Drivers and Support Laborers, and Administration to support sales, customer order fulfilment, and custom application requirements. You will be responsible for operational efficiency and inventory management and will fulfill all duties while following safety practices and providing outstanding customer service.

Successful candidates will have a strong operations background and the ability to be a coach, mentor, and manager of people while providing direction and strategic planning. Extensive knowledge of Retail Agronomy, a versatile skill set, and chemical, and fertilizer knowledge would be preferred, however not required for the right individual willing to dive into the industry and our farming operation. AgBest is searching for an individual who will improve efficiency, achieve AgBest’s mission and goals, and who’s work will result in outstanding customer service.

This position offers a robust compensation package including a base salary, bonuses, insurance (health, dental, vision, life, disability), 401K matching, and a generous paid time off program. If you are looking to advance your career in ag, or if you are someone in a similar role looking to make a change, then this opportunity is for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for oversight of the daily operations, equipment and asset maintenance and allocation, and inventory control. Demonstrates the ability to maximize efficiency in branch operations in order to reduce downtime while cultivating a safe, positive working environment that supports high productivity with excellent customer service.
• Develop and maintain relationships with current and prospective customers by providing excellent customer service and assisting, as needed, by resolving issues and addressing complaints promptly and professionally.
• Manage facility inventory for proper seasonal levels including forecasting product needs, anticipating inventory needs, and purchasing product through approved suppliers. Manage and monitor product shipments (in/out), customer deliveries, and invoicing to ensure monthly inventory counts are accurate and the month end process is completed in a timely manner.
• Oversee preventative maintenance on all branch equipment to obtain the maximum efficiency possible and ensure the longevity of all fixed assets. Ensure property, facilities, and equipment remain in good repair and maintenance.
• Work collaboratively, cooperatively, and in coordination with fellow team members and with others in the organization on the logistics, allocation, utilization, and delivery of products and services. Treat others with respect, courtesy, and consideration and show understanding and the appropriate support of other team members to help get the job done.
• Work across business functions, handle multiple tasks, follow established processes, and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals to achieve business targets while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Delegate work assignments aligned with the responsibility and capabilities of employees and communicate expectations and monitor delegated task for timeliness and quality.
• Ensure a safe working environment and oversee compliance with applicable OSHA and other laws, regulations, and work rules concerning environmental safety and health by employees. Assist with accident/injury investigations as directed by Safety or HR team. Responsible for communicating with staff concerning pertinent corporate directives and policy, related regulatory expectations, employee safety requirements, and other information as directed by corporate.

Minimum Qualifications

(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• High school diploma (or the equivalent thereof) and five years or more of related work experience required, Bachelor degree in agronomy or related field preferred.
• Background in business strategy, supply chain, demand planning and/or distribution desired. Experience in agronomy management preferred. Previous experience and knowledge of agriculture and/or agronomy with basic knowledge of insect, weed and disease identification, and fertility required.
• Demonstrate essential abilities including business knowledge, personnel management, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development. Proven ability to maximize utilization of systems and processes to ensure efficient and accurate information.
• Previous supervisory experience managing staff with the ability to influence without authority, coach team members, build relationships, and instill strong work ethic, high sense of urgency, and resilience.
• As a leader, exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others to achieve objectives; accepts feedback from others and recognizes other’s achievements when appropriate.
• Ability to manage and develop relationships with customers and outside vendors while projective a positive image of AgBest. Able to manage difficult or emotional customer situations, respond promptly to customer needs, and comfortable soliciting customer feedback to improve service.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Experience operating heavy machinery, farm machinery, tractors, spreaders, sprayers, tender trucks, semi-trucks, etc. along with experience working with chemicals, fertilizers, anhydrous ammonia, and seed preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and company specific software and the ability to understand and utilize additional technological tools and resources.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and have access to reliable transportation to and from work.
• Must have, or be willing and able to obtain, a Class A CDL with Hazardous Material Endorsement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to write and speak effectively to individuals and groups. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to walk, stand, stoop, crouch, crawl, kneel, bend, reach overhead with hands and arms, finger keys (like keyboarding, controls on a scanner, fax, etc.), climb, balance, or sit for extended periods of time. Ability to work for extensive periods at computer keyboarding.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push up to 50lbs.
• May be required to work at varying heights.
• Ability to hear within normal range.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Ability and willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call as business conditions warrant (primarily Spring and Fall).
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in possible extreme weather conditions including cold, heat, wind, rain, etc. while scouting fields.
• Ability to travel independently to customer locations.
• Possible exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures in place.
• Work conducted in office environment can be noisy and will involve interacting with team members and serving customer needs in an open area.
• Job location- must be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate prior to beginning work.
• Must be able to work in a drug-free environment.

AgBest offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Match Plan, Paid Time off and Life and Disability coverage for those who qualify.

As part of our pre-employment hiring process, background checks and drug screens are performed.

All applicants must be willing to submit to a background check and drug test. Evidence of work authorization upon employment is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Completion of USCIS form I-9 will be required in order to verify employment eligibility within 3 business days of the first day of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hartford City, IN 47348: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Agriculture: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000