Agronomy Operations Lead

The responsibility of the Operations Lead is to provide “Hands on” support of our daily service and support of our customers while providing organization and alignment with our Agronomy operations out of our Isanti Country Store location. This position will provide and enhance sales, service and operational efficiencies to maximize earnings and provide outstanding customer service. Performs the following duties personally, or through the location team:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Operations Lead include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

Planning and Operations Management:

• Ensure critical sales, planning and daily management are implemented including organization design, business plan development and implementation of the location plan budget.
• Ensure accurate inventory management and customer invoicing and physical inventory verification.
• Manages service operations and efficient Fertilizer plant production, scheduling and delivery.
• Ensure completion of daily required P&L, financial management and store closing and inventory procedures are completed in an accurate and timely manner.

Sales & Customer Service:

• Partners in the grower sales process by ensuring key and target customer sales calls and call objectives are completed.
• Address customer questions and concerns in a professional manner and document customer satisfaction details.
• Ensure excellent customer service by identifying and offering products and services that are profitable and add value to both our customers and the location.
• Plan/Support sales for walk in customers and target on farm customers where assigned (Both cold calls and warm leads)
• Tracking all sales and customer contacts on Federated web-based Sales Management Tool.
• Sell, secure and place seed orders to Federated’s Central Warehouse.
• Promote and ensure successful grower meetings, grower events and promotional activities.
• Support and facilitate in-store counter sales for retail organization when applicable.
• Attend monthly sales meetings and planning and development activities.
• Coordinate and support custom application services with customers.
• Hours: Able to work within customer/grower’s time frames, include extended hours during our spring busy season as well as evenings and/or weekends as seasonal demands dictate.

Managing Employees:

• Hire and train regular and seasonal staff to ensure maximized day-to-day operations.
• Provide leadership and operational work direction to employees.
• Ensure efficient use of labor through daily work task scheduling.
• Create a harmonious work environment among peers to create a positive environment.
• Provide necessary training and leadership to help employees improve and grow their skills.

Safety:

• Ensure that all employees are properly trained and are safely performing their functions in accordance with company policy and all applicable codes.
• Perform proper maintenance to all buildings, and equipment.
• Provide a safe working environment for all employees.

Education and/or Experience:

Ag degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school OR equivalent related education and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Preferred 3-7 years leadership or management experience
• Preferred 3-7 years Agriculture Operations experience
• Preferred 3-7 Retail Ag Co-op experience strongly
• Financial / Analytical and financial skills - P/L management experience desired
• Current active Class B Commercial Driver’s License preferred or ability to obtain is required
• Current Health Card
• Ability to work extended hours during Agronomy busy season is required

Able to lift/carry/load (up to 50 lbs.) multiple times per day.

The salary range for this position is set at $55,000 - $65,000. The actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills, certifications, location size, direct reports, etc.

Below is a summary of the benefits Federated Co-ops Inc. offers to employees and are subject to eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.

Benefits:
Federated Co-ops Inc. offers a competitive benefits package to those who qualify which includes medical insurance, HSA employer contribution, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, matching dollar for dollar 401(k) up to 7%, performance bonus, employee assistance program, disability insurance, employee discounts, referral program, clothing allowance/uniforms, paid holidays, floating holiday, PTO and direct deposit.