Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL (Bloomington, IL, US, 61701) - GrowMark Inc.

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

See what it's like to work at GROWMARK: https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), assumes overall responsibility for the planning, administration, operation, and performance of the Energy, Crop Nutrients, Crop Protection, Seed, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Enterprise Marketing Divisions. Serves as an executive champion driving an efficient and responsive enterprise-based supply chain. Participates on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and in GROWMARK Board meetings.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads, and develops the SVP, Corporate Strategy and Logistics; VP, Energy; VP, Crop Nutrients; VP, Crop Protection; VP, Seed; COO, SEEDWAY; Mgr. Wholesale Process and Projects; Mgr. Wholesale Business and Data; Executive Director, Enterprise Marketing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Align Wholesale Divisions with the enterprise strategy by ensuring that business objectives, operational practices and team initiatives within each division are aligned with the overall goals and direction of the organization. 

Engages in corporate decision-making and strategic planning as a member of ELT staff. Reports operating results to the CEO and Board of Directors on a regular basis. 

Directs all activities of the assigned Divisions, including formulation of objectives, strategic and annual plans, goals, and policies; development and execution of operating procedures and practices; and direction of programs and talent management. Initiates, plans, and recommends policy changes relating to assigned activities and directs their implementation upon approval.

Drives enterprise brand and product marketing strategy process by overseeing cross-functional collaboration of business unit leaders.  Demonstrates engagement and adoption of an enterprise level marketing framework and support for FS Brand development.

Directs development and articulation of short- and long-range marketing, research, and operating plans, including the design of wholesale and recommended retail distribution systems to reach targeted markets effectively and profitably. Develops annual and long-range forecasts, sales, capital, and operating budgets to meet established return on investment targets.

Directs the development and selection of appropriate product lines for assigned Divisions, including product selection, packaging, labeling, brand management, establishment of service and quality standards, and monitoring performance. Assures appropriate product and operating research. Assumes responsibility for administering a quality control program to ensure quality standards are met.

Directs the development of short- and long-range profit plans for assigned products. Directs the establishment and administration of wholesale prices.

Analyzes all elements of product and distribution costs and recommends action to improve cost versus benefit relationships.

Directs the strategy for procurement, processing, and distribution of assigned products to achieve minimum cost consistent with quality and service requirements. Assures appropriate supplier and industry relationships are maintained in the Company’s long-

term interest. Approves all product and service commitments within Company policy.

Directs the operations of assigned Company facilities and equipment within Company policy to achieve minimum unit cost consistent with the established quality and service standards. Recommends policies relating to assigned activities and directs execution upon approval.

Actively collaborates with the Director of Innovation and other System leaders on strategic discussions, studies, and pilot projects related to innovation; Provides ongoing support and promotion of innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team

including the prioritization and monetization of digital strategies.

Serves as the corporation’s representative on various boards of directors, professional committees, and advisory boards as directed.

Participates in Quarterly Shareholder updates, leads assigned all-employee meetings and participates in GROWMARK Board meetings.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures as they apply.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent thereof, and 12 or more years of related experience to demonstrate the ability to provide energy, agronomy, and logistics business leadership as well as digital experience to lead an

Omni-Channel approach to the GROWMARK System.

Demonstrates a high level of proficiency and expertise in business financial acumen.

Demonstrates GROWMARK’s leadership competencies, including character, interpersonal skills, innovation/change, building talent, leadership motivation, execution, and knowledge/strategy. 

Understanding and experience with energy, agronomy, and logistics-related areas, including marketing strategy, forecasting, branding, product, resources optimization, competitive adeptness, price strategy, distribution, policies and procedures, and compliance,

along with energy strategic planning, program execution, budgeting, and communications.

Proven supervisory and leadership skills, including staffing, coaching, performance evaluation, etc., and the ability to achieve results through others.

Proven professional communication, interpersonal, persuasion, and customer service skills.

Demonstrated planning, organization, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Proven team-building skills, with the ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment. 

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport and can travel domestically, internationally, independently, and overnight when needed.   

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures as well as additional training related to the requirements of the position. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.