Operations Manager

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Operations Manager

Full Time South Whitley, IN, US

About Company:

Our Mission

At Ag Plus, we are a customer-driven and profitable cooperative dedicated to providing our patrons with premium value through our high-quality products and services.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a successful and innovative full-service agribusiness by excelling in:

• Service Leadership – Setting the standard for exceptional customer service
• Growth & Innovation – Embracing new opportunities to strengthen our cooperative
• Efficiency – Delivering top-tier solutions with precision and expertise
• Community Commitment – Supporting and enriching the communities we serve
• Unity & Strength – Fostering collaboration for lasting success
• Employee Dedication – Investing in the people who drive our mission forward

Who We Are

For over a century, northeast Indiana has been home to a hardworking farming community built on integrity, resilience, and family values. These same principles remain at the heart of Ag Plus today.

What started as a modest group of farmers has grown into a thriving cooperative with over 1,400 members, serving communities across eleven counties. Despite our growth, we remain locally owned and operated—not by a distant boardroom, but by the farmers we proudly serve.

Ag Plus is open to everyone in northeastern Indiana—no memberships, no annual fees. Our success stays within the local markets we serve, benefiting our communities time and time again.

Our Services

To best support our members, Ag Plus operates across five key divisions:

• Agronomy – Precision Ag, crop nutrients, protection, and seed solutions
• Energy – Reliable liquid fuels and LP gas services
• Feed – Quality bagged and bulk feed options
• Grain – Comprehensive grain services, including trucking
• Turf – A full line of turf products with expert advice

At Ag Plus, we remain committed to delivering value, fostering growth, and serving our communities for generations to come.

Operations Manager – Feedmill (Synergy Feeds)

Job Description

Location: South Whitley, Indiana
Facility: Synergy Feeds
Job Title: Operations Manager – Feed
Department: Feed
Reports to: Division Manager of Synergy Feeds & CEO

Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all mill staff, feed manufacturing, production, inventory, maintenance, safety, and distribution operations at Synergy Feeds in South Whitley. This role ensures high-quality feed production, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, cost control, and exceptional customer service while supporting Ag Plus’ mission, vision, and business values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports Ag Plus’ stated Vision, Mission, and Business Values.
• Promotes a culture of safety, quality, and accountability throughout the facility.
• Provides outstanding and courteous customer service.
• Oversees daily operations that include receiving ingredients, batching, grinding, mixing, load‑out, and delivery coordination.
• Ensures feed is manufactured accurately according to approved formulations and nutritionist specifications.
• Maintains strict compliance with FDA, FSMA, OSHA, state feed regulations, and Ag Plus safety standards.
• Oversees implementation and maintenance of feed safety plans and quality control procedures.
• Monitors ingredients and finished feed inventory levels to maintain proper seasonal and production needs.
• Ensures accurate production records, batching documentation, lot tracking, and regulatory documentation are maintained.
• Manages cost controls, budgeting, and financial performance of the facility.
• Oversees and implements preventative maintenance programs for all equipment and facility infrastructure.
• Coordinates repairs and recommends capital improvements to the Feed Division Manager and/or CEO.
• Supervises scheduling of production and delivery to meet customer demand efficiently and accurately.
• Oversees employee training to ensure safe and proper operation of milling, mixing, and load‑out equipment.
• Promotes teamwork among plant staff and peer management.
• Supports feed sales growth through operational excellence and strong customer relationships.
• Adheres to Ag Plus credit guidelines.
• Reads and follows company employee policies.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises assigned Synergy Feeds employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Ag Plus policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving operational issues.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Agribusiness, Operations Management, or related field preferred, and 4+ years of manufacturing or operations experience; or a minimum of 5+ years of related Feedmill or production management experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret safety rules, feed manufacturing procedures, regulatory guidelines, and maintenance manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively communicate with employees, customers, vendors, and management.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate production volumes, inventory usage, cost analysis, percentages, ratios, and feed formulation measurements.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve operational problems, manage multiple production variables, and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Computer Skills

Knowledge of feed manufacturing software, inventory systems, spreadsheet software, accounting systems, and general Microsoft office software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred
• Feed manufacturing safety training preferred
• PCQI certificate preferred or willingness to obtain certification after hiring at Ag Plus’s expense
• OSHA safety certifications beneficial
• First Aid and CPR training are beneficial

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Production & Operational Efficiency
• Regulatory Compliance & Feed Safety
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Customer Service
• Planning & Organization
• Business Acumen

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, lift up to 75–100 pounds, and work around feed manufacturing equipment. The role may involve exposure to dust, noise, moving mechanical parts, and varying temperatures.

The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, dust, noise, and feed ingredients. The work environment may include indoor manufacturing spaces and outdoor areas in various weather conditions. Noise levels may require hearing protection.