General Manager Trainee

Southern States Cooperative.; Clayton (DE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern States Cooperative is offering a 12- to 18-month General Manager Development Program designed to prepare high-potential candidates for future leadership roles. The program blends structured training, hands-on operations, and mentorship across agronomy, energy, farm supply, and retail, with exposure to budgeting, planning, and strategic initiatives.

Participants will work closely with senior leaders, gain multi-location leadership experience, and position themselves for eventual General

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in one of the listed areas or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in agribusiness, energy, farm supply, or related fields.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete rotational assignments across agronomy, energy, farm supply and retail units.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Lead teams and mentor staff to improve performance and service.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and governance awareness.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Customer focus

Team leadership

Safety and compliance

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science

Bachelor's degree in Business Management

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Related field of study

Job description

Smyrna-Clayton Coop is seeking a high-potential leader to participate in a 12-18 month General Manager Development Program designed to prepare the successful candidate for future cooperative leadership opportunities. Through structured training, hands‑on operational experience, and mentorship, the selected candidate will build the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead a multi-location agricultural cooperative.

This unique leadership opportunity provides structured development across all aspects of cooperative operations, including agronomy, energy, farm and retail supply, financial management, sales, and member relations. The selected candidate will work closely with cooperative leadership and gain hands‑on experience leading teams, driving business performance, and supporting strategic initiatives.

Upon successful completion of the program, the candidate will be well‑positioned to pursue senior leadership opportunities within the cooperative and apply the skills gained through the development experience.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

• Defined pathway to General Manager leadership
• Direct mentorship from an experienced cooperative executive
• Exposure to multiple business units and revenue streams
• Hands‑on operational and strategic leadership experience
• Participation in business planning, budgeting, and financial management
• Opportunity to build relationships with members, customers, employees, and community leaders

Key Responsibilities

Cooperative Operations

• Complete rotational assignments across the agronomy, energy, farm supply, and retail business units.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of daily operations, customer service, inventory management, logistics, and sales execution.
• Learn operational best practices, policies, and regulatory requirements across all departments.
• Support safety, environmental, and compliance programs.

Business Management

• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and performance analysis.
• Monitor key business metrics and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support annual business planning and strategic growth initiatives.
• Assist in managing expenses, assets, and inventory investments.

Leadership Development

• Develop supervisory and team leadership capabilities through coaching, employee development, and workforce planning.
• Partner with department managers to improve team performance and customer satisfaction.
• Lead projects and operational initiatives that support cooperative goals.
• Participate in hiring, training, and employee engagement activities.

Member & Customer Relations

• Build strong relationships with cooperative members, producers, residential customers, and community stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts and identify opportunities to increase sales and market share.
• Represent the cooperative in community events, industry meetings, and member activities.
• Promote the cooperative's mission, values, and commitment to customer service.

Succession & Executive Readiness

• Work directly with the General Manager to gain exposure to executive decision‑making and strategic planning.
• Attend leadership meetings and gain insight into cooperative governance and board relationships.
• Develop the skills necessary to lead a multi‑department agricultural business.
• Develop the executive leadership capabilities necessary to successfully lead a cooperative operation in the future.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in one of the following areas:

• Agricultural Business
• Agronomy
• Agricultural Economics
• Animal Science
• Business Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Related field of study

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  o Agribusiness
  o Energy or petroleum operations
  o Farm supply or agricultural retail
  o Sales or business development
  o Operations management
  o Cooperative operations
  o Agriculture production
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or project management experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Leadership potential and a desire to advance into a senior leadership role
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to analyze data and make sound business decisions
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving capability
• Customer‑focused mindset
• Ability to lead and motivate teams
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence
• Willingness to learn multiple lines of business
• Commitment to serving agricultural customers and rural communities

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally within the region.
• Ability to work extended hours during seasonal business periods as needed.
• Willingness to continue professional development and leadership training.

Career Progression Opportunity

This position is designed to develop the cooperative's next General Manager. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and operational leadership experience to prepare for a future transition into the General Manager role.

Southern States Cooperative, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.