Western Regional Operations Manager - FS GRAIN - Mendota, IL

About the role

The Western Regional Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of FS Grain's western territory, including Rte. 30, Harmon, Polo, Fitchmoor, Buda, Ohio, Ashton, and Creston facilities. This role provides leadership, direction, and coordination of operations across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with company goals, safety standards, and financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all Facility Managers within the assigned western territory.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to ensure strong operational execution across all facilities.
• Establish clear expectations, monitor performance, and support employee development and accountability.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all locations.
• Develop and implement operational plans to ensure efficient use of materials, equipment, and personnel across all assigned facilities.
• Review operating costs, product quality, and inventory control programs, and implement improvements to enhance profitability and efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management, including monthly inventory measurements to ensure compliance with company policy and state requirements.
• Communicate job expectations and performance standards, including planning, monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing employee performance.
• Recommend and implement compensation actions, and enforce company policies and procedures consistently.
• Contribute operational insights and recommendations to strategic planning and business reviews.
• Develop and execute action plans to address operational goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• Implement and maintain production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards across all facilities.
• Resolve operational and personnel issues, including employee conflicts and system failures, while identifying trends for improvement.
• Develop and recommend facility budgets, including repair and maintenance needs, to support operational goals.
• Coordinate the purchasing of equipment, supplies, and services for assigned facilities.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, environmental, state, and federal regulations across all locations.
• Partner with the Safety Manager to implement effective safety training and compliance programs for all employees.
• Recommend and manage operational expenditures and budgets to optimize profitability at each location.
• Serve as a liaison between branch facilities and corporate departments to ensure alignment and communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Operations Management, or related field required, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of operations-related experience required, preferably in agricultural or grain facility management.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, planning, organization, problem-solving, and project management required.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems and business software required.
• Proven ability to lead multiple teams across multiple locations required.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently across multiple locations and stay overnight when necessary.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal business hours as operational demands require.
• Must be physically able to lift and carry materials and equipment as needed and safely climb ladders, stairs, and grain bins to inspect and oversee facility operations.

Qualifications

• Must be physically able to lift and carry materials and equipment as needed and safely climb ladders, stairs, and grain bins to inspect and oversee facility operations.

Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Experience in agricultural or grain facility management.
• Knowledge of computer systems and business software.
• Ability to manage multiple teams and priorities across a broad territory.

Benefits

FS GRAIN offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.