Western Regional Operations Manager - FS GRAIN - Mendota, IL

FS GRAIN is a leading grain company with 80 full time employees operating in Northern Illinois. FS GRAIN operates 19 facilities with a combined storage capacity of 40 million bushels, and access to multiple grain markets, including ownership of two Class I shuttle loaders. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $90,000-$115,000

Purpose and Summary Statement
Under the direction of the Executive Leadership team, the Western Regional Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of FS Grain’s western territory, including Rte. 30, Harmon, Polo, Fitchmoor, Buda, Ohio, Ashton, and Creston facilities. This role provides overall leadership, direction, and coordination of operations across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with company goals, safety standards, and financial objectives.

This position reflects FS Grain’s commitment to professionalism through strong operational leadership, accountability, and consistent execution across all facilities. The Western Regional Operations Manager demonstrates customer focus by ensuring reliable service, efficient grain movement, and strong facility performance that supports producer and customer needs. The role promotes safety and regulatory compliance by enforcing OSHA, DOT, environmental, and company standards. Through strategic oversight, team development, and cross-functional collaboration, this role contributes to operational excellence, profitability, and continuous improvement across the eastern region.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader, strategic thinker, and effective communicator with deep operational experience in agricultural facilities and the ability to manage multiple teams and priorities across a broad territory.

Supervision and Leadership
• Supervise all Facility Managers within the assigned western territory.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to ensure strong operational execution across all facilities.
• Establish clear expectations, monitor performance, and support employee development and accountability.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all locations.

Essential Job Functions
• Develop and implement operational plans to ensure efficient use of materials, equipment, and personnel across all assigned facilities.
• Review operating costs, product quality, and inventory control programs, and implement improvements to enhance profitability and efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management, including monthly inventory measurements to ensure compliance with company policy and state requirements.
• Communicate job expectations and performance standards, including planning, monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing employee performance.
• Recommend and implement compensation actions, and enforce company policies and procedures consistently.
• Contribute operational insights and recommendations to strategic planning and business reviews.
• Develop and execute action plans to address operational goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• Implement and maintain production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards across all facilities.
• Resolve operational and personnel issues, including employee conflicts and system failures, while identifying trends for improvement.
• Develop and recommend facility budgets, including repair and maintenance needs, to support operational goals.
• Coordinate the purchasing of equipment, supplies, and services for assigned facilities.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, environmental, state, and federal regulations across all locations.
• Partner with the Safety Manager to implement effective safety training and compliance programs for all employees.
• Recommend and manage operational expenditures and budgets to optimize profitability at each location.
• Serve as a liaison between branch facilities and corporate departments to ensure alignment and communication.

Additional Responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and operational success.

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Operations Management, or related field required, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of operations-related experience required, preferably in agricultural or grain facility management.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, planning, organization, problem-solving, and project management required.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems and business software required.
• Proven ability to lead multiple teams across multiple locations required.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills required.

Other Requirements
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently across multiple locations and stay overnight when necessary.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal business hours as operational demands require.
• Must be physically able to lift and carry materials and equipment as needed and safely climb ladders, stairs, and grain bins to inspect and oversee facility operations.

At FS GRAIN, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.