Agronomy Operations & Procurement Manager - AgVantage FS - Waverly, IA

AgVantage FS is headquartered in Waverly, Iowa with branches in Northern and Eastern Iowa. AgVantage FS has about 400 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 23,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, precision agronomy, and agri-finance. AgVantage FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

Agronomy Operations & Procurement Manager

Division:     AgVantage FS                                                                                        JOB CODE:

Reports to:  General Manager                                                                                  STATUS:  Exempt

Purpose & Summary Statement

Leads agronomy department operations to maximize profitability through optimal use of equipment, personnel, and facilities. Oversees procurement of agronomy products to maintain a competitive advantage. Ensures efficient processes, compliance, and continuous improvement in all operational areas, supporting company goals and customer satisfaction.

Supervision and Leadership

Supervises, leads, and develops the assigned team members by providing leadership, setting performance expectations, providing feedback, coaching, and actively maintaining performance management standards.

Essential Job Functions

Develops and executes operational plans, including coordinating staff, custom application equipment, tractors and tendering equipment for maximum efficiency.

Assists in recruiting, hiring, and retaining full-time and part-time employees.

Collaborates with Marketing Manager on product procurement and risk management strategies for all agronomy products.

Reviews operating costs and modifies operation and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operations of the facilities.

Reviews equipment efficiency and recommends modifications to optimize efficiency.

Responsible for the development and implementation of a preventative maintenance program for equipment and facilities, including continuous training programs for employees.

Recommends capital expenditures for new equipment, rolling stock and facilities to increase efficiency and services of the department.

Leads the operations team, manages activities, creates development programs, and acts as company liaison.

Coordinates with Marketing Manager to understand sales forecasts to establish efficient plant operations and asset utilization.

Other Job Functions

Approves material, equipment, and supply requests within budget limits.

Builds and maintains strategic vendor relationships to support agronomy sales and marketing initiatives.

Recruits, trains, coaches, and counsels employees to develop and nurture talent.

Conducts and supports training and informational meetings.

Assists with budget development, forecasting sales volumes, margins, and expenses.

Ensures and supports plans for compliance with environmental and transportation regulations.

Collaborates across departments to achieve company wide objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, or business related field or the equivalent thereof, and at least 5 years or more of agricultural management-related work experience demonstrating the required skills and leadership abilities of the position.

Demonstrated organization, planning, and problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize work, and deal with deadlines.

Proven ability to develop and strengthen partnerships and alliances inside and outside the organization.

Proven leadership skills, including imparting vision, supervision, employee development, and teambuilding

Demonstrated professional communication, interpersonal, persuasion and presentation skills

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes and operations

Must have and maintain valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Ability to travel independently and overnight.

Ability to work extended hours or on-call as business conditions warrant.

Prefer an understanding of GROWMARK agronomy division products, services and risk management programs.

May be required to lift up to 70 lbs.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.