Director of Agricultural Operations

Michigan Sugar•All Locations, MI, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Michigan Sugar Company has an immediate, full-time opportunity for a Director of Agricultural Operations, which will cover our growing area. The Director of Agricultural Operations reports directly to the Vice president of Agriculture as one of the key senior leaders in the Ag Department. Directly responsible for sugar beet receiving, storage, and handling operations associated with sugar beet harvest of up to 5 million tons annually to ensure all activities are performed safely, efficiently and reliably, and in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. This role is a visible field operations leader who prioritizes safety, and sets expectations, reinforces safe behaviors, and ensures disciplined execution across multiple locations. The Director also leads and develops a staff of 4 to 6 direct reports, site leaders, technical professionals, and skilled trades to build capability, accountability, and engagement. Through strong people leadership, communication and collaboration skills this role ensures effective coordination of beet receiving, storage, and equipment operation while maintaining raw material quality, operational efficiency, and cost control. This role is accountable for the strategic planning and execution of agricultural operations, including the safe handling and storage of over $225 million in raw material and the maintenance and reliability of critical assets supporting those operations at multiple piling stations serving the cooperative.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Production Management, Engineering, Agriculture, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Minimum 10 years of experience leading and developing technical or skilled trades teams in an industrial or agricultural environment.
Strong technical background including equipment, automation, and process systems.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop leaders and high-performing teams.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to manage large-scale operations, assets, and resources effectively.
Safety leadership and risk awareness
People leadership and team development
Strategic thinking and operational planning
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Effective communication and collaboration
Demonstrates ethics, integrity, and accountability
Ability to adapt to changing business and technical environments

Responsibilities

Establish and reinforce safety as the highest priority across all agricultural operations, including receiving sites, storage locations, and outstations.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company safety requirements for employees, contractors, and visitors.
Actively engage in safety observations, hazard identification, and incident investigations to drive continuous improvement.
Ensure safe operation and maintenance of equipment used in beet receiving, storage, and handling.
Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and a broad team of skilled trades and technical personnel.
Build leadership capability, accountability, and succession strength within the agricultural operations function.
Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and development opportunities.
Foster a culture of respect for people, teamwork, and shared ownership of results.
Lead planning and execution of beet receiving operations, including delivery of over 5 million tons of sugar beets annually.
Ensure efficient, reliable, and high-performing operations across all receiving stations and storage facilities.
Coordinate 3rd party staffing contractor and resources to support peak delivery operations and ensure continuous operation during critical harvest periods.
Align agricultural operations with factory processing needs and overall company objectives.
Ensure effective storage practices that preserve raw material quality and minimize loss.
Evaluate and implement storage techniques, piling methods, and technologies to improve beet handling and preservation.
Oversee the management and protection of raw material inventory exceeding $250 million in value.
Ensure reliability and maintenance of equipment with significant replacement value to support continuous operations.
Ensure sugar beet piling stations, storage and reloading operations are managed in compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
Evaluate and implement new technologies related to automation, equipment performance, and process efficiency.
Provide leadership in integrating automation, and other applicable technology into operations.
Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance safety, operational efficiency, workforce effectiveness, and cost performance.
Identify and support initiatives that improve long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Support strategic planning and execution for agricultural operations, including capital project budgeting and planning and long-term asset management.
Evaluate operational costs and opportunities for efficiency improvements while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Ensure resources are allocated effectively to support operational demands and performance goals.
Work closely with factory, maintenance, and agricultural leadership to align schedules, priorities, and resource needs.
Communicate performance expectations, results, and operational challenges to senior leadership.
Provide leadership support during peak harvest and processing campaigns and respond to operational issues as needed.