Agricultural Career Center

Coshocton Grain Company is looking for an experienced senior operations leader to become the next CEO of their 2.5M grain storage and 2M bushel soy processing facility.

The ideal candidate will have experience growing a profitable business with oversite of the strategic and business aspects of a grain marketing and/or soy processing operation. The individual selected will partner with the Board of Directors, create and communicate a clear vision for success, provide leadership/direction, and support the team to meet business objectives. To thrive as CEO, you must be a results-oriented problem solver and a prudent, customer-oriented manager. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, have a strong business mindset, and have experience identifying market opportunities and managing risk. They will take actions to enhance the company’s cash flow while developing strong customer and business relationships. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Partner with the Board to create a vision and strategic plan. 
• Develop quality business strategies and long-term plans. Implement short-term objectives and adapt as needed to achieve the goals. 

Operational Management 

• Oversee all operations and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy and mission.
• Analyze problems and opportunities; provide solutions and recommendations to ensure CGC’s success.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of the markets and related industries.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of and ensure operations are compliant with relevant regulations (e.g., FSMA, OSHA, ODA, EPA, etc.).
• Manage grain contracts, hedging, and ensure appropriate basis positions are maintained. 

Financial Oversite 

• Partner with the Director of Finance & Accounting to develop and manage the budget. 
• Recommend capital investments and business decisions that advance the business and increase profits.
• Monitor financial and non-financial reports; implement changes as necessary to meet goals.
• Build strong banking relationships to ensure appropriate lines of credit at reasonable interest rates. 

Board and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including board members, investors, and partners. 
• Provide data that enables the Board of Directors to make business decisions that are advantageous for shareholders.
• Represent CGC at industry events and public forums; as appropriate, act as a point of contact for shareholders. 

Team Engagement 

• Hire, develop, lead, and motivate staff members to create and maintain a high performing team. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Risk Management 

• Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. 
• Oversight for safety in all aspect of the operations.
• Manage the grain position for profitability in alignment with the established grain position policy and market conditions.
• Enforce compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and in-house policies to maintain CGC’s legal standing and business ethics. 

Qualifications/Requirements

Experience 

• 5+ years of experience managing a grain or feed facility and/or soy processing plant. 
• Experience as CEO or another senior operational leadership position.
• Experience developing profitable strategies and implementing a vision.
• Proven track record of corporate finance and performance management (e.g., developing and managing a budget, understanding, managing, and communicating P & L statements, and development of effective banking relationships).
• Familiarity with diverse business functions including grain marketing, HR, finance etc.
• Working knowledge of cash commodity trading and hedging experience required.
• Proven record of grain origination and selling truck, container, and rail.
• Knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practices.
• Experience selling high value products with higher margins is strongly preferred.

Skills/Attributes 

• An entrepreneurial, result-oriented mindset. 
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to build an effective team.
• Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability and willingness to work longer hours and participate in operational activities as needed to support staff and customers.
• Ability to see colors when grading/evaluating grain.

Education

• BS in Agriculture, Business, or related field or comparable business experience. 

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This person will be regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. They will periodically need to stoop or kneel for short periods of time. They will periodically be required to lift up to 20 pounds. If there is an issue with grain quality or equipment decisions, the position requires the ability to work in confined spaces and in a broad range of climate conditions. 

Work Environment 

While in this job, the employee is regularly exposed to an office environment and a production facility. The noise level is moderate to loud in the elevator and processing operations. 

Salary and Benefits 

Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include 401(k) match; Medical, dental and vision coverage, Short and Long-term disability, Sick leave, Vacation.

To apply or learn more: Send your resume to Cheryl Ricketts, CEO of Competitive Edge HR, Inc., at cricketts@competitiveedgehr.com or call 614-832-8668.