Business Unit Leader

Versova; Corwith (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

HSA with company match

Paid time Off

Paid Holidays

401K with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Versova in Iowa is seeking a Business Unit Leader to drive the execution and performance of egg production operations. This role oversees live production, egg grading/processing, and maintenance with a strong focus on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a 75+ workforce, promote sustainability, develop leaders, and push continuous improvement while balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in operations management, business, agriculture, or related field.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in operations management.
• At least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying climate conditions.

Responsibilities

• Strategic business leadership across farms' imperatives and P&L results.
• Guide site leaders to maximize performance and pursue process improvements.
• Ensure safe, high-quality production of whole foods and compliance with regulations.
• Engage a diverse workforce and develop talent while fostering safety and security.
• Promote sustainability, animal welfare, and responsible resource management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Business Acumen

Regulatory Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Operational Excellence

Industry Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field

Job description

The Business Unit Leader will be responsible for driving the execution and business performance of our operations while ensuring the unit has the necessary staff and resources to thrive. This key leadership role oversees live production operations, egg grading/processing, liquid egg processing, and maintenance functions. The ideal candidate will prioritize the safety and security of our 75+ workforce, promote environmental stewardship, and maintain compliance with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Central to this position is the ability to foster a culture that fully engages all employees and stakeholders through our shared values and guiding principles. The Business Unit Leader will focus on efficient production of safe, high-quality whole foods while upholding stringent safety standards and sustainable practices. Although this role may not have immediate responsibilities over all Production areas, the successful candidate will demonstrate dynamic growth potential and readiness for further development within the organization.

Essential Job Functions

• Strategic Business Leadership * Execute on the Farms' Business Imperatives consistently * Lead with a strategic business mindset in an agricultural and food production environment * Drive business performance through key performance indicators, including:
• Hen rate of lay
• Feed conversion
• Product yield
• Labor and material efficiency * Optimize production, throughput, and yield in all operations
• Operational Excellence * Guide and mentor site production and processing leaders to maximize P&L results * Relentlessly pursue process and operational improvements * Ensure efficient production of safe, high-quality whole foods
• Workforce Management and Development * Engage a diverse workforce in a journey of growth from retention to performance to passion * Foster employee growth and development * Prioritize safety and security for all employees
• Stewardship and Sustainability * Promote animal welfare best practices * Implement sustainable management of natural resources * Maintain fiscal responsibility and financial integrity * Drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Compliance and Quality Assurance * Ensure compliance with customer expectations, federal and state regulations * Uphold high standards for food safety and quality
• Cultural Leadership * Drive a culture that fully engages all employees and constituents through shared values and guiding principles * Demonstrate dynamic growth potential for further development within the organization

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Leadership and Cultural Development * Demonstrated ability to establish and enhance a performance-based culture * Proven ability to lead a group of diverse individuals to achieve organizational goals * Skill in fostering a collaborative work style across all functions
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving * Proven ability to manage complex situations through critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills * Ability to adapt effectively and work at a high level within a fast-paced, continually changing, and demanding environment
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills * Ability to communicate effectively with all constituencies, including employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, and regulatory agencies
• Business Acumen and Financial Literacy * Strong business acumen including knowledge of finance, financial indicators, and cost modeling * Ability to interpret financial and operating data and organize it to make it actionable
• Industry Knowledge * Knowledge of agricultural and/or food production operations
• Analytical and Data-Driven Approach * Skill in analyzing complex data sets and translating findings into strategic initiatives
• Operational Excellence * Expertise in optimizing production processes and improving operational efficiency
• Regulatory Compliance and Ethics * Understanding of relevant regulations in the food production industry * Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, Business, Agriculture, or related field or equivalent industry experience in lieu of degree.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in operations management.
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership or managerial position.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work in various climate conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agriculture or a related field
• 8 or more years of experience as a lead/supervisor or manager position.
• Previous poultry or in large-scale animal agriculture industry experience.
• Previous experience in Live Haul operations * Feed Haul and Feed Mill management * Breeder and Broiler production * Hatchery operations
• Experience in lean manufacturing or process improvement initiatives.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

The Business Unit Leader operates in a dynamic and fast-paced agricultural and food production setting, overseeing a diverse range of operations from live production to processing. This role requires adaptability to various work environments, including office settings for strategic planning and data analysis, as well as on-site presence in production facilities and farms. The position involves regular interaction with a diverse workforce of 75+ employees, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Given the nature of the food production industry, the work environment may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and physical demands. The role demands a balance between hands-on operational involvement and high-level strategic thinking, often requiring flexibility in work hours to address the 24/7 nature of agricultural operations. Safety is paramount in this environment, and the Business Unit Leader must consistently promote and adhere to strict safety protocols while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.

About Us

Versova is one of the largest egg producers in the United States, bringing together family-owned farms in Iowa, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. With over six decades of industry experience, our team of more than 2,000 employees is dedicated to exceptional flock care, environmental stewardship, and producing safe, high-quality eggs. More than just a workplace, Versova is a team built on shared values, working together to enrich our communities and uphold the highest ethical standards.

As a family of companies and a company of families, we are guided by a strong set of Core Values: Recognition, Initiative, Safety & Security, Service, Community, Respect, Integrity, Ownership, and Excellence. These values drive our commitment to responsible employment, sustainability, and industry innovation. When you join Versova, you become part of something bigger - working together to lead the future of egg production with integrity and excellence.

• Regular performance reviews
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• HSA with company match
• Paid time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401K with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Disclosure

This job description is not exhaustive, as employees may perform additional related duties as needed. Employment is based on an 'at-will' basis. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, as applicable to the role and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.