General Manager
North Iowa Cooperative
North Iowa Cooperative, headquartered in Thornton, Iowa, near Clear Lake & Mason City, is seeking a General Manager to lead this successful, well-established, farmer-owned agricultural cooperative. With annual sales of approximately $95 million, five locations, and 45 employees, North Iowa Cooperative serves producers throughout North Central Iowa. The cooperative has excellent facilities, successful grain and agronomy operations, and a long-standing commitment to member service. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a respected cooperative positioned for continued success.
The General Manager (GM) will report to the 7-member Board of Directors and be responsible for the overall leadership, financial performance, and operations of the cooperative. The GM will work closely with the Board and management team to establish goals, improve efficiencies, maintain financial strength, and identify opportunities for continued growth and profitability. This individual will provide strong leadership to employees while maintaining positive relationships with members, customers, and the communities the cooperative serves.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT
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Provide overall leadership and direction for the cooperative, its management team, and employees.
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Build and maintain a positive culture focused on teamwork, accountability, communication, and customer service.
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Develop and support the management team, establishing clear expectations and holding employees accountable for results.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
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Oversee the financial performance of the cooperative, including P&L, balance sheet management, and long-term financial stability.
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Lead the development and implementation of annual operating and capital budgets.
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Monitor financial results, manage costs, and identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.
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Maintain positive relationships with lenders and financial partners.
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND OPERATIONS:
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Work with the Board of Directors to establish and implement short- and long-term goals and strategic plans.
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Identify and evaluate opportunities for growth, capital investments, and improved member services.
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Provide oversight of the cooperative's business operations, ensuring efficient and profitable performance.
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Oversee risk management practices, employee safety, and regulatory compliance.
BOARD, MEMBER, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
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Maintain open communication with the Board of Directors, providing timely and accurate financial and operational information.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with cooperative members, customers, and community leaders.
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Represent the cooperative throughout the agricultural industry and the communities it serves.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have proven executive-level leadership experience in the agricultural retail business, with a strong background in financial management, P&L accountability, and sustainable profitability. Experience within the agricultural cooperative system is strongly preferred.
The greatest emphasis will be placed on evaluating each candidate's previous leadership responsibilities, the size and complexity of the businesses they have managed, their financial accountability, and their record of success.
The ideal candidate will possess:
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Strong knowledge of and passion for the agricultural retail business, with cooperative experience strongly preferred.
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Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, capital planning, and P&L accountability.
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A successful track record of leading employees, developing managers, and building strong teams.
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Knowledge and experience in agronomy, grain, risk management, and rail operations is desirable.
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Strong business judgment, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees, Board members, and cooperative members.
Apply
All inquiries and information will be handled in strict confidence.
Interested parties should apply by contacting:
Laura Blomme
Hedlin Ag Enterprises
Phone: 515-444-7342 Email: lblomme@hedlinag.com