General Manager Trainee
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Agricultural Business, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field of study. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Agribusiness, Energy or petroleum operations, Farm supply or agricultural retail, Sales or business development, Operations management, Cooperative operations, Agriculture production.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Previous leadership, supervisory, or project management experience preferred.
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
