Operations Manager

Kokomo Grain Co Inc•Markleville, IN

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager oversees the safe and efficient operation of a grain facility, including receiving, storing, and shipping grain. The role ensures company guidelines and procedures are followed and addresses employee, customer, and contractor concerns. It supervises Operations Technicians and seasonal employees, coordinates staffing and grain movement, and works with facility leadership and the Safety Director to maintain operations and safety practices. The manager also performs and oversees equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, grain quality control, and shipment preparation. The position is primarily based outdoors and involves dusty conditions, temperature extremes, physical work, and extended periods on one's feet. General hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; longer hours, including early mornings, are required during harvest to meet operational needs. The employee must maintain confidentiality of information acquired from Kokomo Grain or related third parties.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least 5 years of prior experience.
Ability to manage Operations Technicians' daily activities and support smooth facility operations.
Good computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft programs.
Interpersonal skills to maintain good rapport with employees, customers, contractors, and processors.
Ability to work independently or collaboratively as circumstances require.
Planning and organizational skills to coordinate shipments, incoming grain, and repairs.
Experienced knowledge of mechanical operations and facility equipment repair.
Dependability and flexibility to work longer hours or early mornings when operational needs require, especially during harvest.
Ability to adhere to safety requirements at all times.
Ability to read, react, use common sense, and endure long hours during harvest.
Ability to respond to common inquiries, suggestions, and special requests.
Ability to effectively present information to managers, customers, and employees.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work outdoors in temperature extremes and dusty conditions, lift heavy objects from time to time, and spend long periods on one's feet.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information acquired from Kokomo Grain or related third parties.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
Prior experience working in a grain facility preferred, but not essential.

Responsibilities

Train employees on outside duties by demonstrating tasks and observing employees perform them.
Consult with the Facility Manager or General Manager of Grain as needed.
Oversee daily facility work and ensure adequate staffing in key areas.
Oversee employees' movement of grain between facility bins.
Supervise employees and conduct annual employee reviews to support their development.
Operate the PLC computer to facilitate grain movement.
Coordinate with the Safety Director to hold regular safety meetings and keep safety records and training current.
Schedule facility staffing, particularly during harvest and post-harvest bin sweeping.
Receive grain by dumping trucks, wagons, and other vehicles into appropriate dump pits.
Ensure employees, customers, and contractors follow safety procedures, including completing permit forms and scheduling safety-equipment inspections, in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
Maintain grain quality by segregating grain according to moisture content and quality so it can be dried or blended for shipment.
Load trucks for shipment to processors and check that weights are under 80,000 pounds and grades are acceptable.
Maintain truck scales for safety and accuracy by keeping the scale area clear of grain.
Repair and maintain equipment, including greasing and replacing bearings and adjusting or replacing belts, leg buckets, and conveyor chains; keep required permits in place.
Maintain lock-out/tag-out procedures and promote safety through signage, bulletin boards, and posters.
Conduct daily structural inspections of bins for cracks, broken bolts, and missing parts.
Perform routine maintenance, including painting, maintaining driveway stone, minimizing dust, and keeping the shop clean and organized.
Keep the facility clean and pest-free.
Coordinate with railroad operations where applicable and work with truckers.
Monitor equipment upkeep and submit supply needs, including belts, bearings, office supplies, and safety equipment.
Remove snow from the grounds to support safety and traffic as needed.
Use a sweep auger to clean bins.
Ensure the facility is clean at the end of the day, including covering dumps and putting locks in place.
Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor.