General Manager/CEO - West Central FS, Inc - Galesburg, IL

SALARY RANGE: $250,000 - $300,000, plus competitive incentive bonus

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, responsible for providing strategic leadership, overall vision, and oversight to the cooperative’s business operations according to the company’s governing documents, its employees, equipment, and facilities. Has overall responsibility to ensure the financial health, well being, image and profitable growth of the FS member/retail division 
consistent with policies and practices adopted by the board. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leads the management team in developing, formulating and administering the cooperative’s strategic plans, including strategies, policies and tactics required to reach short-and long-term 
objectives.

Creates an overall strategic plan for the FS member/retail division’s business operations to ensure overall alignment with organization-wide strategies and business objectives.

Makes recommendations to the board of directors to ensure support and operational needs are met, and resources are allocated in the most efficient manner. Annually works with the board of directors to develop fiscal year goals that align with the overall strategic plan.

Responsible for building talent by establishing programs and support systems for the recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, retention, and succession planning for all employees of the company. 

Manages business operations with an emphasis on implementing initiatives to increase profits through performance and future-focused productivity improvements. Develops internal reporting and metrics to measure and calibrate the company’s performance against goals and objectives. 

Responsible for assessing the company’s marketing strengths and weaknesses and developing programs which will improve marketing performance. 

Develops and administers annual operating budgets and effectively communicates to the board of directors. Secures necessary approval for fixed asset purchases and leases, contractual obligations, and other matters or transactions requiring board authority.

Develops, reviews, and assesses the long and short-term financial needs of the company. 

Responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate financial reporting and internal control mechanisms. 

Responsible for the procurement and maintenance of and accounting for all working capital, merchandise, and equipment of the company. 

Responsible for compliance with all company policies and regulatory agencies. 

Responsible for the prompt reporting of policy violations and irregularities to the board of directors. 

Responsible for timely and accurate reporting of all financial, operational, personnel, and marketing issues and activities to the board of directors. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for achieving a professional image and the cooperative way of doing business among patrons, stockholders, Farm Bureau, and the general public.

Oversees the implementation of training and education programs for all employees. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Normally requires a college degree, advanced degree, and/or equivalent experience with member cooperative and GROWMARK staff in a leadership and management capacity. 

Demonstrated knowledge of member cooperative marketing, operations, and finance, which may also include taking part in the GROWMARK Senior Leader Development Program or equivalent training opportunities. 

Functional Competencies

Understanding and experience with management-related areas including management strategic thinking, leadership and decision-making; financial performance; organizational analysis and structure, managing change, motivation, policies and procedures, and compliance along with strategic planning, budgeting, and communications. 

Demonstrated ability to develop and strengthen partnerships, assess business opportunities, and negotiate appropriate agreements with others inside and outside of the organization. 

Proven management and leadership skills including staffing, orientation, coaching, performance evaluations, training, and development, etc. and the ability to achieve results through others. 

Proven professional management communication, interpersonal, persuasion, and presentation skills. 

Proven organization and planning skills including imparting vision, strategic thinking and planning, and being results-oriented.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills including problem analysis, evaluation, and implementation of solutions. 

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes. 

Other Requirements

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and have the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary.

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

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.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.