General Manager

Southern States Cooperative
United States, Virginia, Chesapeake
Nov 18, 2024
This job description is a summary of essential job functions necessary for the satisfactory performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Job functions may vary by location. General Summary Implements and oversees comprehensive and operations plans for multiple production facilities within an assigned area, including: agronomy plants, fertilizer plants, CPP and seed handling facilities. Leads initiatives to achieve operational excellence, retain and grow customer base, and maximize sales volume and profitability. Relies on extensive knowledge of plant operations, sales management, agricultural industry best-practices, and leadership skills to accomplish goals. The GM has financial performance responsibility for the CCE of the stores and district. Essential Job Functions Oversee comprehensive operations plans for multiple plants, including: agronomy, fertilizer, CPP and seed handling facilities. Implement, both directly and by leading each facility management team, plans that optimize production, ensure quality control, compliance, and inventory management, and manage budgeting and expenses in-line with division financial goals. Utilize standard operating procedures (SOP) designed to maximize efficiencies while complying with SSC policy and government regulations. Maintain highest level of customer service and relationship management. Perform field work and make on-site sales calls in support of the area sales team. Develop consistent standards for all facilities in assigned area, managing tracks that include: profitability, volume, margins, expense control, audit compliance, credit compliance, policy compliance, people, performance management, salary programs, environmental compliance, safety compliance, inventory management, events, promotions, housekeeping and image. Lead and support the development of a highly effective team. Ensure strong "bench strength" for assigned area by promoting training opportunities and through active use of individual development plans, performance management, and succession planning. Coordinate with senior division leadership to establish staffing plans designed to meet seasonal volume adjustments and budget requirements. Foster employee engagement. Establish clear performance objectives, regularly communicate facility results and goals, remove obstacles to efficient performance, and resolve complex customer issues. Interact with employees at all levels to build trust and open communication. Demonstrate the ability to listen to create a comfortable environment for raising concerns and encouraging suggestions. Maintain a work environment where employees are committed to their location and facility goals. Develop and maintain open lines of communication with local civic leaders, patrons, Coops Boards. Visit current and prospective customer locations to strengthen business relationships and to present product and service offerings. Maintain awareness of area market trends, industry developments, and regulations. Utilize a variety of resources to meet own development planning and continuing education requirements, including: professional organizations, seminars (i.e. Crops Certification), conferences, training courses, self-study, and on-line tools. Manage programs to maintain equipment and safeguard facility assets. Maximize useful life of all plant equipment, including rolling stock, within expense budget limitations. Maintain an inventory control program to ensure inventory integrity and minimize shrink of merchandise. Monitor facility security to protect inventory, equipment, facility and staff in accordance with SSC policy. Direct and prioritize safety initiatives. Ensure area facilities are maintained to meet OSHA and EPA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, and all applicable policies and work rules. Oversee safety training and initiatives according to SSC guidelines. Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers, coworkers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Maintain current Emergency Response Planning records. Perform all other job functions as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifications A combination of completed coursework and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Education: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or Business Administration, will consider other education with related agronomy sales/plant operations experience and demonstrated leadership abilities or equivalent work experience. Experience: Requires five (5) or more years of related experience in agronomy sales or plant operations. Requires a minimum of three (3) years in a leadership role. Prefer previous experience managing daily business operations. Previous Southern States work experience preferred. Licensing & Requires valid Driver's License Certification: Depending upon location, may also require specialized licensing and/or certification Requirements: Able to implement and oversee sales and operations plans for multiple facilities, including agronomy, fertilizer, CPP and seed handling facilities. Able to effectively apply knowledge of daily operations to optimize production aligned with budgeted sales volume, minimize expenses, and effectively establish polices and operating procedures to support business goals Able to effectively apply knowledge of regulations governing production, storage, distribution and sales of manufactured goods, agricultural products, fuel products, fertilizers and crop protectants, and/or related merchandise Able to consistently display servant leadership, build and motivate teams, and delegate responsibilities Able to perform data analysis and utilize results to optimize performance and increase profitability Able to manage budgets, monitor and track expenses Able to utilize creative thinking and problem solving skills to develop solutions Able to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels in the organization and external counterparts Able to consistently demonstrate customer-focused interpersonal skills and professional communication Able to maintain composure while managing conflict and stressful situations Attention to detail, accuracy and accountability Computer literacy to utilize MS Office products and SSC business systems Able to work in a fast paced, customer focused, team environment Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner Able to work extended hours to meet business demands Able to travel 10-20% of time, will vary based on location Work Environment The work environment will vary based on location. Essential job functions are performed indoors in a climate controlled environment, in a warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity, and outdoors unprotected from weather conditions. Regularly exposed to hazards including: Merchandise, supplies and tools with sharp edges or containing hazardous materials Dust, odors, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with sales and storage of dry and liquid fertilizers, crop protectants and other agricultural products, seed processing, cotton processing, and/or petroleum/propane Moving mechanical parts and vehicles, vibrations and electric current Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan Schedule requirements will vary based on location. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules may be required. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required. Physical Activities & Requirements Physical activities and requirements will vary based on location and merchandise mix. Below is a general description. Continuously bend and stoop; manual dexterity (fingers and hands) and utilize repetitive hand motion with merchandise and tools including computers and motorized vehicles; reach with arms and hands for extended periods; stand and walk for extended periods, at times may be on concrete or uneven surfaces; utilize eye/hand coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds. Frequently climb, crouch, stack, and sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted. Occasionally balance, kneel, shovel and sit. Pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted. Must be able to speak to co-workers and customers regarding sales, operations and safety. Must be able to hear customer service phone calls, hand held radio, equipment and vehicle sounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Tools & Equipment Tools and equipment will vary based on location. Below is a general description. Hand held scanner, telephone, hand held radio, computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, writing instrument, reports, logs, spreadsheets, point-of-sale terminal, seed processing equipment, fertilizer and crop protectant blenders and spreaders (dry row spreader, John Deere dry body, Spreader Trucks and/or Terra-Gator, spray trucks with 40-60 foot boom coverage, Crop Sprayers with 80-120 foot boom coverage), loaders, forklifts, pick-ups, delivery trucks, and other tools and equipment. Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.