Operations Manager

Do you have a passion for agriculture and a desire to make a real impact in the industry? Are you excited about leading a team to uncover the latest trends in crop science, soil health, and innovative farming practices? If so, we have an opportunity where you'll be at the forefront of agricultural R&D innovation guiding your team, our farmers, researchers, and industry experts through continuous improvement, advancing sustainable agriculture where our goal is to help farmers maximize their yields while minimizing environmental impact. You'll be shaping the future of farming, influencing the development of cutting-edge technologies and best practices.

Join us, and you'll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming the agricultural landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

This position leads the operations of the processes necessary to fulfill the needs of 14 external small field plot research teams and an insight trial program. Shared Operations is the hub for all the Answer Plots serving ≈100 sites and contracted locations throughout the corn belt plus peripheral locations in the U.S. It serves as a central supply chain point for items including though not limited to seed, chemical, starter fertilizer, equipment, etc. needed by teams to plant, maintain, and harvest R&D plots. Shared Operations also procures, treats, and supplies Seed Product Managers and Member Cooperatives for planting the Insight trial plots.

General Management:

• Manage and develop the talent of direct and indirect reports (EHS, Logistics, Equipment teams)
  
  


• Identify and implement best practices around processes utilized at our Shared Operations facility
  
  


• Engage in new projects and provide solutions and advancements to the Answer Plot Program
  
  


• Set expectations and goals for Shared Operations
  
  


• Maintain open communication with research teams, regional managers, and Answer Plot leads ensuring expectations and timelines are achieved
  
  


• Maintain safety culture and programs for Shared Operations
  
  

Budget & Capital Asset Management:

• Accountable for $5MM+ Budget monitoring
  
  


• Manage Answer Plot fixed asset lists.
  
  


• Work with the various teams to facilitate asset needs
  
  

Internal/External Collaboration:

• Liaison between Answer Plot and Forage Genetics International (FGI) trial work driving collaborated trials through the Answer Plot Research Teams
  
  


• Work with field research teams implementing and maintaining activities such as Weather Stations, Upkeep, QMS, UAV, Contracts, Leases, DOT, Trimble, etc.
  
  


• Develop and manage Quality Management System (QMS) best practices program
  
  

Required Experience/Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree; candidates without a degree and related experience may be considered
  
  


• Minimum 6 years of related work experience in an operations role
  
  


• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience
  
  


• **Direct and indirect (dotted-line) experience considered
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with fundamentals of small plot research
  
  


• Be willing to obtain Pesticide Applicator License w/ Seed Treatment Endorsement
  
  


• Has a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in Agronomy, Ag Technology, and Ag Business profession.
  
  

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.