General Manager

AGRI-SEARCH; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established agricultural cooperative in Illinois is seeking a General Manager to oversee operations and drive strategic growth. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in agribusiness management, strong financial and operational skills, and a track record of building effective teams. Key responsibilities include leading daily operations, anticipating market trends, and maintaining communication with the Board of Directors. This full-time executive role emphasizes a culture of integrity, service, and performance.

Qualifications

• Proven agribusiness or cooperative management experience, ideally in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of grain merchandising and logistics; basic knowledge of agronomy operations.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and developing people in a multi-location environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day business operations across all locations and business units.
• Anticipate market trends and position the cooperative for sustainable success.
• Evaluate financial performance and manage budgets and P&L.

Skills

Agribusiness or cooperative management experience

Grain merchandising and logistics understanding

Team leadership and development

Financial management skills

Communication skills

Job description

Driving Growth and Efficiency in the Agricultural Recruitment Industry

We are partnering with a well-established, farmer-owned cooperative in northeastern Illinois to hire a General Manager to lead business operations, drive strategic growth, and strengthen a culture built on service, trust, and performance.

This financially strong cooperative has proudly served its members for more than a century. With core businesses in grain and agronomy, the organization continues to invest in people, technology, and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its producers and communities.

The General Manager will provide overall leadership to the organization and work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure profitability, operational excellence, and alignment with the cooperative’s mission and long‑term goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day‑to‑day business operations across all locations and business units.
• Anticipate market trends, merchandise grain, and position the cooperative for sustainable success.
• Evaluate financial performance and operational efficiency; manage budgets, P&L, and key performance metrics.
• Maintain clear, transparent communication with the Board of Directors and serve as a trusted strategic partner.
• Build, develop, and mentor a strong leadership team and skilled workforce that embraces change, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen relationships with employees, members, customers, and community stakeholders through visible, hands‑on leadership.
• Champion a culture of integrity, safety, and service while driving high standards for performance and customer value.
• Collaborate with the board to define, refine, and execute a clear vision for growth, profitability, and member success.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven agribusiness or cooperative management experience, ideally in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of grain merchandising and logistics; basic knowledge of agronomy operations.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, building culture, and developing people in a multi‑location environment where employees often wear multiple hats.
• Solid financial and operational management skills, including budgeting, P&L oversight, and performance management.
• Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Servant‑minded, values‑driven leader who leads by example and earns trust.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen, collaborate, and build long‑term relationships.
• Authentic, humble, and consistent, with the ability to balance strategic vision and hands‑on leadership.
• Deep appreciation for agriculture, rural communities, and customer service.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

General Business, Finance, and Management

Industries

Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing, Farming, and Farming, Ranching, Forestry