Operations Manager, New Hampton ARC

Job Objective:

This position is responsible for management of all operations/activities at Five Star Cooperative’s New Hampton Agronomy Retail Center. Responsible for servicing customers, maintaining existing customer’s business, and obtaining new customer’s business. Be a resource for customers to come to for industry information. Supervises all operations employees to achieve the objectives needed. Responsible for inventory control of all products/commodities for proper quantity and quality. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the location’s safety and preventative maintenance program. This person will attend management meetings/training as directed; and works to achieve the objectives of the cooperative.

At times, incumbent may direct assigned fleet vehicles.

The incumbent will be expected to assist other locations and departments assigned by management. Will communicate availability regularly and assist with projects as needed.

Incumbent maintains efficiency in a manner that will optimize the cooperative’s market share and savings, improve the cooperative’s efficiency, help achieve the cooperative’s mission and goals, and result in outstanding customer service.

This position will maintain a positive attitude that promotes teamwork within the location, as well as within the cooperative and always upholds a favorable image of Five Star Cooperative. Applicant may have other duties as assigned by management.

Essential Tasks:

• Determines work tasks that need to be completed and instructs employees to complete needed tasks in a safe manner.
• Receives deliveries of seed into the warehouse.
• Maintains inventory and distribution of products.
• Operates and maintains load-out of agronomy related products..
• Helps load and deliver product to farmers.
• Operates seed treatment equipment as farmers pick up seed.
• Utilizes company systems to create invoices, delivery tickets, purchase orders, BOL’s, etc.
• Actively works to acquire new customer’s business and maintains existing customer base.
• Involved in all aspects of grower relations, including customer service and conflict resolution.
• Understands growing trends and communicates with management to deliver a better customer experience relating to equipment needs and process improvement.
• Helps develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures.
• Manages the operational function and team at assigned location.
• Leads facility in improving efficiency, developing employees, and offering premier customer service.
• Leads a team of part time or seasonal employees. Assigns team member responsibilities, develops performance standards, completes and administers annual (or more often) performance reviews for team members, plans and provides opportunities for advancement, training, and development.
• Provides excellent customer service
• Strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills; ability to manage priorities and workflow with acute attention to detail
• Enforce and abide by all cooperative policies
• Enforce and uphold the cooperative’s credit policy
• Assists with recordkeeping and filing needs
• Good communication with all employees and customers
• Handles customer complaints smoothly
• Notifies supervisor of problems
• Solves problems as quickly as possible, either personally or through communication with the supervisor

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Fluent reading, writing, or speaking the English language

Experience:

• Agronomic experience preferred
• Leadership and management experience preferred
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills necessary
• Good customer service skills and approach necessary
• Experience operating forklift preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary
• Computer skills required – Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive
• Speaking, Writing, Reading Comprehension, Listening, Monitoring, Judgement and Decision Making, Time Management

License, Certificate, or Registration: Valid driver’s license required, Class A CDL preferred; Seed treatment and handlers license or the ability to obtain