Vice President and Chief Information Officer - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $200,000 +

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

See what it's like to work at GROWMARK: https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, provides strategic vision and direction to all technology initiatives, including hardware, communications, networks, and software applications distributed for use in the GROWMARK FS System. 

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads, and develops the Director, Enterprise Systems; Director, External Technology Portfolio; Director, Wholesale Technology Portfolio & Director Business Process and Technology Enablement

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Directs the evaluation of existing and proposed systems and procedures, recommendations for improved efficiency of systems, overall management of new system design, and development or third-party acquisition of applications.

Ensures that the IT department functions effectively within the larger context of the GROWMARK FS System, especially as it relates to the balance of cost and innovation. Helps select and implement suitable technology to streamline internal operations and optimize strategic benefits.

Directs the adoption, maintenance, and monitoring of policies, procedures, and best practices.

Directs the design and customization of technology systems and platforms to improve the GROWMARK System’s customers, including B2B and B2C customers.

Is a member of the Key Leadership Team and collaborates with executive staff to provide appropriate support for company-wide goals. Collaborates proactively with members of the executive team to identify ways IT can assist the company in achieving business and financial goals.

Leads organizational change initiatives as it relates to technology implementations and digital endeavors.

Provides expert leadership and accountability for the effective implementation of IT Management responsibilities. Develops and implements department strategies, objectives, goals and action plans.

Responsible for assessing IT workforce needs and developing strategies and plans for meeting those needs in an efficient way. Directs, organizes, and resources IT related projects, delegating tasks and maintaining accountability for project work to increase productivity.

Accountable for IT Operating Statement. Responsible for the processes for all annual and multi-year IT planning, programming and budgeting decisions. Develops and implements the IT budget. Develops capital and operational budgets to provide cost effective services to clients and exercises managerial control over the budget. Analyzes the costs, value and risks of information technology to advise management and suggest actions. Communicates with leadership regarding costs, value and risk potential of new IT projects.

Responsible for the processes for managing, evaluating and benchmarking how well the company is managing its IT resources.

Responsible for establishing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with company wide information security program and adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

Oversees GROWMARK FS Enterprise contract negotiations with IT vendors, contractors and service providers. Approves purchases of technological equipment and software and establishes and maintains partnerships with IT providers.

Monitors changes or advancements in technology to discover ways the company can utilize innovation to gain competitive advantages.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Maintains a network of roles at peer and industry companies to help benchmark, share best practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. 

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a degree in Information Technology or related degree and 10 years or more of job-related experience. Prefer a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a technology related concentration such as IT Management, Project Management, Computer Science or Information Technology.

Proven experience in Leading enterprise-wide technology strategy, operations, and large-scale transformation initiatives.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to build relationships and develop teams with a demonstrated ability to partner with senior executives, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to present and disseminate information to all levels of the organization.

Active and effective listening skills with the ability to manage different personalities and scenarios.

Proven strategic planning and goal setting ability

Experience or education in Project Management as a discipline.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport and can travel domestically, internationally, independently, and overnight when needed.

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. 

At GROWMARK, 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), paid holidays, and parental leave, 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.