Salary: $110k - 170k per year
Reference: General Manager SD3
Gpac is conducting a confidential search for a proven leader to serve as General Manager of a successful, member-owned agricultural cooperative. The cooperative provides essential services to producers and customers through grain origination, storage, and marketing; comprehensive agronomy (crop inputs, precision ag, and retailing); and feed manufacturing and distribution. With strong financial performance, modern facilities, and a dedicated team, this cooperative is positioned for continued growth and operational excellence. This is a rare opportunity to lead a financially sound, multi-division ag cooperative with a strong board and supportive membership.
Position Summary
The General Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the cooperative and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This role is responsible for overall strategic leadership, operational performance, financial results, and member relations. The GM will drive growth across grain, agronomy, and feed divisions while maintaining the cooperative’s core values of integrity, service, and member focus.Key Responsibilities
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Provide visionary leadership and execute a strategic plan that supports sustainable growth and profitability across all divisions (grain, agronomy, and feed).
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Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards for safety, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer service.
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Manage financial performance, including budgeting, capital investments, risk management (hedging, margins, inventory), and reporting to the Board.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with cooperative members, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are represented.
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Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing management team and staff.
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Identify and pursue opportunities for operational improvements, facility modernization, new revenue streams, and potential partnerships or acquisitions.
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Represent the cooperative in industry organizations, community activities, and with key vendors and customers.
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Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including grain warehousing, environmental, and safety standards.
Qualifications & Experience Required:
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7+ years of progressive leadership experience in agricultural operations, preferably in a cooperative or multi-division agribusiness environment.
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Strong background in at least two of the following: grain merchandising/origination, agronomy/retail crop inputs, or feed manufacturing/sales.
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Demonstrated P&L responsibility and solid financial acumen.
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Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business, Economics, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
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Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a values-driven, member-focused culture.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with producers, boards, and stakeholders.
Preferred:
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Prior experience as a General Manager, CEO, or senior operations leader in an ag cooperative.
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Deep knowledge of precision agriculture, risk management tools, and current industry trends.
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Experience with cooperative governance and working effectively with a Board of Directors.
Personal Attributes:
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Strong ethical character and commitment to cooperative principles.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to execute.
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Decisive, collaborative, and transparent leadership style.
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Passion for agriculture and rural community development.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonus, comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, life), retirement plan with employer match, vehicle allowance, and relocation assistance. Total compensation will be attractive for the right candidate.
Please apply with resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted
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.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
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