The Company
At Meherrin Agricultural & Chemical Company we offer comprehensive agricultural solutions, including seeds, crop protection, plant nutrition, and field services. We provide customized products and services to maximize crop yields, such as seed treatment, soil testing, and fertilizer application. The company emphasizes locally sourced seeds and tailors agronomic support for farmers across the East Coast.
Job Purpose
The General Manager of Meherrin’s Agriculture Divisions is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the division meets its goals and objectives. This role involves setting and executing strategic plans, managing budgets, leading senior management, and fostering relationships with stakeholders to drive growth and innovation in the agriculture sector.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Key Functions:
o Work with and support each of the GMs of the four (4) Ag Divisions.
o Attend Ag Division key meetings and be engaged in each Division’s short- and long-term strategies.
o Advise regularly (minimum of twice monthly) the CEO of the overall health and direction of each Division.
o Become emersed and engaged in each acquisition, working with the perspective Divisional Team.
o Submit CAPX plans to the CEO from each division annually, along with the return on the investment and justification for the spend.
o Attend the necessary industry meetings to stay abreast pf the industry.
o Meet regularly with the GM of each division to discuss strategies, budgets, and overall financial and operational health.
o Submit new hires (salaries) to the CEO for approval, justifying the new hire.
· Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the division’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the organization. Identify growth opportunities and set long-term objectives.
o Strategic Planning: Develop and articulate a clear, long-term vision for the Agriculture Division that aligns with the organization’s overall mission and goals. Set strategic priorities and define actionable objectives to drive growth and success.
o Innovative Thinking: Foster a culture of innovation by staying informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging practices. Encourage and implement new ideas to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
o Decision Making: Make high-stakes decisions with confidence and clarity. Balance risk and opportunity to steer the division through both challenges and opportunities.
· Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations of the Agriculture Division, including crop production, soil management, pest control, and resource allocation. Ensure efficient and effective use of resources and adherence to operational standards.
o Performance Management: Ensure that the division operates efficiently and effectively. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), implement best practices, and continuously improve processes to achieve operational excellence.
o Resource Allocation: Optimize the use of resources, including human, financial, and material assets. Ensure that the division has the necessary tools, technology, and manpower to achieve its goals.
o Compliance: Ensure that all operations comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations. Implement and enforce policies to maintain high standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical conduct.
· Financial Management: Develop and manage the division’s budget. Monitor financial performance, including revenue, expenses, and profitability. Implement cost-control measures and optimize financial performance.
o Budget Management: Develop, manage, and oversee the division’s budget. Ensure financial stability by monitoring expenditures, optimizing cost-efficiency, and driving revenue growth.
o Financial Reporting: Provide regular financial reports to the Board of Directors and senior management. Ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters.
o Investment and Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities for financial growth and investment. Evaluate potential ventures and partnerships that align with the division’s strategic objectives.
· Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the senior management team within the division. Foster a positive organizational culture, drive employee engagement, and ensure professional development opportunities.
o Leadership: Lead and inspire the senior management team and staff. Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.
o Talent Management: Attract, retain, and develop top talent. Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities to enhance team performance and growth.
o Culture: Foster a collaborative and innovative culture that aligns with the organization’s values and goals. Promote teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.
· Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and markets. Drive innovation and implement best practices to enhance the division’s competitive position.
· Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, government agencies, and community organizations. Represent the division in industry forums and public engagements.
o External Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, industry partners, government officials, and community leaders.
o Representation: Represent the division and the organization in industry forums, public events, and media engagements. Advocate for the division’s interests and contribute to its positive public image.
o Customer Focus: Understand and address the needs and expectations of clients and customers. Ensure that the division delivers value and maintains high levels of customer satisfaction.
· Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, including environmental, safety, and labor laws. Identify and manage risks associated with the division’s operations.
o Risk Identification: Identify potential risks to the division’s operations, including financial, environmental, and operational risks.
o Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks. Prepare contingency plans to address potential challenges and ensure business continuity.
o Crisis Management: Effectively manage crises and unexpected events. Communicate clearly and decisively during challenging situations to minimize impact and restore stability.
· Performance Monitoring: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the division’s performance. Implement systems to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
· Strategic Communication: Communicate the division’s vision, goals, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders. May be asked to share reports and other information with the Board of Directors and other senior executives.
o Internal Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with senior management, staff, and other divisions. Ensure that key information is shared effectively and transparently.
o Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Directors and other senior stakeholders on the division’s performance, strategic initiatives, and significant developments.
· Innovation and Research: Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and research. Foster a culture of innovation and implement cutting-edge practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
· Ethical and Compliance Stewardship
o Ethics: Uphold and promote high ethical standards in all aspects of the division’s operations. Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and corporate values.
o Sustainability: Advocate for and implement sustainable practices that contribute to environmental and compliance stewardship.
Requirements
· The candidate must have an overall understanding of the Ag Retail markets regarding ag input sales. The individual needs to have experience in seeds, Crop protection and fertility, to provide leadership and vision.
· The candidate must be reasonably sound in his or her grasp of Agronomy and Ag Business.
· The candidate must be able to buy into and own Meherrin’s corporate values.
· The candidate must have the ability to cast vision.
· The candidate must be able to read and discern financial statements and balance sheets.
· The candidate must be a part of acquisitions, and add insights, cultural fit and guidance to the efforts of the Team.
Education and/or Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA, master’s in agriculture) is highly preferred.
· Minimum of 15 years of executive or senior management experience in the agriculture sector or a related field. Proven track record of strategic leadership, financial management, and business development.
· Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
· Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
· Advanced financial acumen and budget management expertise.
· Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
· Proficiency in agricultural technologies and industry trends.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Relevant certifications or memberships in professional organizations may be advantageous.
Work Environment
Office-based with occasional travel to operational sites, client meetings, and industry events.
Benefits
Health Insurance
Employee Assistance (EAP)
Teladoc
Life Insurance
Employee Referral Program
401K Match
Disability
Tuition Assistance (TAP)
Paid Vacation and Personal Days
Vision
Paid Holidays
Jury Duty Leave
Dental
Bereavement Leave
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Core Values “Equip” – Environment Q*uality Understanding Integrity P*eople
Application Process
This job is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference checks, education verification, pre-employment drug screening, and a criminal history check.
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
For Additional Information Visit:www.meherrinag.com