Director of Grain Operations (DGO)

Location: Marion, SD

Job Summary
The Director of Grain Operations (DGO) provides strategic leadership and oversight for all grain operations, facilities, and personnel of Central Farmers Cooperative (CFC) and FREMAR, LLC. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable grain operations while maintaining regulatory compliance, grain quality standards, asset reliability, and exceptional customer service.

The DGO serves as a member of the executive leadership team and works closely with location managers, department leaders, and the CEO/General Manager to develop and execute operational strategies that support the cooperative's mission, business objectives, and long-term growth. The position directly supervises grain location managers and is accountable for operational performance, employee development, safety leadership, capital improvements, maintenance programs, and inventory accuracy across all grain facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all grain operations and facilities.
• Direct, coach, and mentor location managers to achieve operational, safety, and financial objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and customer service.
• Establish operational goals, performance expectations, and key performance indicators for grain operations.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, development, and succession planning of employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and support to management staff.
• Collaborate with department managers and executive leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives.

Operations Management

• Oversee grain receiving, handling, drying, storage, conditioning, blending, and shipping activities.
• Ensure operational consistency and adherence to company policies and procedures across all locations.
• Monitor facility performance, grain movement, throughput, staffing levels, and customer service metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Maintain accurate grain inventories and oversee monthly inventory reconciliation processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate operational reporting to senior leadership.

Grain Quality and Compliance

• Ensure grain quality standards are maintained through proper grading, weighing, sampling, blending, fumigation, and conditioning practices.
• Oversee inventory quality management programs and grain condition monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable industry requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to grain inventory, safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate audits, inspections, and corrective action plans as necessary.

Safety and Risk Management

• Lead and support the cooperative's safety culture and safety management programs.
• Enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Partner with the Health, Safety, and Risk Director to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
• Ensure all locations maintain safe working conditions and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in safety training programs and monthly safety meetings.
• Investigate incidents and support corrective and preventive action initiatives.

Maintenance and Asset Management

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and operational readiness.
• Ensure maintenance management systems are utilized and kept current.
• Monitor facility conditions and equipment performance to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
• Coordinate major repairs, facility improvements, and capital projects.
• Work with leadership to develop annual capital improvement plans and prioritize investments.

Financial Management

• Assist in developing and managing operational budgets.
• Review departmental expenses and identify opportunities for cost control and operational efficiencies.
• Support financial planning through accurate forecasting of operational needs and capital expenditures.
• Ensure proper stewardship of company assets and resources.

Communication and Representation

• Provide regular operational updates and reports to the CEO/General Manager and executive leadership team.
• Attend and present grain operations updates at FREMAR, LLC Board of Directors meetings.
• Represent the cooperative at industry meetings, training events, trade shows, producer meetings, career fairs, and community events as needed.
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest level of customer service in all interactions.
• Promote facility cleanliness, housekeeping, and professional appearance standards.
• Work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as needed during seasonal peak periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Management, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $110,000