Business Optimization Manager

Versova•Thompson, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Optimization Manager identifies and implements opportunities to improve operational performance, increase revenue, reduce costs, and strengthen leadership capability across the organization. The role works with business and site leaders to evaluate operations, identify performance gaps and opportunities, develop practical solutions, and support implementation of measurable, sustainable improvements. The Manager also coaches leaders, shares operational knowledge, identifies capability gaps, and helps strengthen business and operational effectiveness. The position works across office, agricultural, production, and operational environments, with significant interaction with site leadership and operating teams. Regular travel to company locations is required to observe operations, evaluate opportunities, support improvement initiatives, and work directly with leaders and employees. The role may involve exposure to livestock, agricultural environments, production equipment, dust, noise, varying temperatures, and other conditions associated with food and agricultural operations. Schedules may occasionally vary based on operational needs, project requirements, and travel. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required in operational environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Agriculture, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 4 years of experience in operations, business optimization, continuous improvement, project management, operational finance, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience identifying and implementing operational or financial improvement opportunities.
Experience analyzing operational and financial information to support business decisions.
Strong understanding of business operations, cost drivers, productivity, and performance improvement.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence results across multiple departments or stakeholder groups.
Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, with the ability to translate findings into practical solutions.
Strong interpersonal and coaching skills, with the ability to build credibility with operational leaders and employees.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and applicable business reporting or analytical tools.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing operational needs.
Ability to travel regularly to company locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in agriculture, poultry, food production, manufacturing, or another multi-site operational environment.
Experience with continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or similar operational improvement methodologies.
Experience developing supervisors, managers, or emerging leaders.
Experience supporting cost reduction, revenue enhancement, productivity, or operational efficiency initiatives.
Experience with financial modeling, business cases, dashboards, or performance analytics.
Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certification.

Responsibilities

Partner with site and business leaders to identify opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs, improve productivity, and strengthen business performance.
Evaluate operational processes, workflows, staffing, equipment utilization, spending, production performance, and other business activities to identify improvement opportunities.
Develop and implement practical solutions that improve operational efficiency, profitability, resource utilization, and business performance.
Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, performance gaps, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
Build business cases and recommendations evaluating potential costs, savings, operational impacts, risks, and expected business value.
Lead and coordinate optimization projects from opportunity identification through implementation and follow-up.
Partner with Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Maintenance, People Operations, and other functions on cross-functional improvement initiatives.
Work with site leadership to develop practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions to operational challenges.
Monitor implemented improvements to verify results and identify further opportunities.
Identify successful operational practices and support their standardization and implementation across applicable locations.
Support leaders in strengthening business acumen, operational decision-making, accountability, and performance management capabilities.
Coach and mentor supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders to strengthen leadership effectiveness and prepare talent for increased responsibility.
Partner with leadership and People Operations to identify leadership capability gaps, development opportunities, succession needs, and bench strength.
Provide hands-on guidance to leaders during operational changes, improvement initiatives, and implementation of new processes.
Facilitate problem-solving, process improvement, and operational planning discussions with site and functional teams.
Develop tools, processes, reporting, and documentation that improve operational visibility, accountability, and consistency.
Support organizational initiatives involving growth, integrations, facility improvements, technology, process changes, and other business priorities.
Communicate findings, recommendations, progress, and results to site and organizational leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.