JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Vice President of Agribusiness Operations on behalf of our esteemed client, a leader in the agricultural industry. This pivotal role, based in the vibrant agribusiness hub of Kansas City, MO, offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned operations executive to drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and innovation across a significant enterprise. We are seeking a visionary leader with a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a proven track record of scaling complex operations to new heights of efficiency and profitability.
As the VP of Agribusiness Operations, you will be the cornerstone of the executive team, responsible for the entire operational lifecycle, from procurement and processing to supply chain and logistics. You will inherit a talented team and a robust infrastructure, with the mandate to optimize processes, implement cutting-edge technologies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is more than a job; it is a career-defining role where your leadership will directly impact the company’s market position, financial performance, and long-term sustainability. If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and the ambition to shape the future of a major agribusiness player, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Role Overview for VP of Agribusiness Operations – Kansas City, MO
The Vice President of Agribusiness Operations is a senior executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The successful candidate will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, execution, and management of all operational functions of the company. This includes, but is not limited to, plant management, supply chain optimization, procurement, quality assurance, safety protocols, and logistics. You will be tasked with translating the company’s overarching strategic goals into actionable, data-driven operational plans that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality across all facilities.
This role demands a leader who can balance high-level strategic planning with meticulous attention to detail on the ground. You will be the driving force behind creating a scalable and resilient operational framework that can adapt to market fluctuations, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory landscapes. You will champion a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence, mentoring a team of directors and managers to achieve peak performance. Your leadership will be critical in steering capital investment projects, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and ensuring that every facet of the operation is aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction. You will serve as a key partner to the C-suite, providing critical insights and operational guidance to inform enterprise-wide decision-making.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Agribusiness Operations – Kansas City, MO
Strategic Operational Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive operational strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term vision and financial objectives. Lead the annual operational planning and budgeting process, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to drive growth and profitability.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management. Establish, monitor, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency, quality, and productivity, driving data-informed decisions to optimize performance across all sites.
End-to-End Supply Chain Management
Direct and oversee the entire supply chain, including strategic sourcing, procurement of raw materials, inventory management, warehousing, and global logistics. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of goods.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the operations division. Develop and manage complex operational budgets, conduct variance analysis, and implement robust cost-control measures. Lead the evaluation and justification for capital expenditures to support technology upgrades, capacity expansion, and efficiency projects.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of operations professionals. Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Implement structured talent development programs, succession planning, and training initiatives to build a world-class operations organization.
Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of workplace safety and product quality. Ensure all operations are in strict compliance with relevant federal agricultural regulations, including those set by the USDA, FDA, EPA, and OSHA. Oversee the quality assurance and quality control functions to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Technology & Innovation Integration
Stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements. Identify, vet, and champion the adoption of new technologies, automation, and data analytics platforms to enhance operational visibility, efficiency, and decision-making capabilities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, working closely with heads of Sales, Marketing, Finance, and R&D to ensure seamless integration and alignment of operational activities with commercial strategies and new product development.
Requirements for the VP of Agribusiness Operations – Kansas City, MO
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in agribusiness operations, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director of Operations, VP, General Manager) with significant P&L and multi-site management responsibilities.
Industry Expertise
Deep and comprehensive experience in the agriculture sector is essential. Specific expertise in areas such as grain processing, seed production, animal nutrition, food manufacturing, or commodity trading is highly desirable.
Proven Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate large, cross-functional teams. A track record of successful change management and building a positive, safety-first organizational culture.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial skills, including extensive experience with budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and P&L management for a large-scale operational division.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and translate broad corporate goals into clear, actionable operational plans. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are paramount.
Technical Proficiency
Strong working knowledge of modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and supply chain management software.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex operational information effectively to a wide range of audiences, from the plant floor to the boardroom.
Location
Willingness and ability to be based in the Kansas City, MO metropolitan area, with travel to various company sites as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation package designed to reward performance and long-term commitment. The comprehensive benefits package includes:
- A highly competitive base salary and an aggressive annual performance-based bonus plan.
- A significant long-term incentive plan, including equity or stock options.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- A full executive-level relocation package to assist with your move to Kansas City, MO.
- A commitment to professional growth with support for executive coaching, continuing education, and industry conference attendance.
- A company vehicle or a monthly vehicle allowance.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential opportunity. All applications and inquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion. We are seeking to fill this critical role promptly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
If you are a results-driven operations leader with the experience and passion to make a significant impact in the agribusiness industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our Agriculture & Agribusiness Executive Search Firm search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how your leadership can drive the future success of our client.
