Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Agribusiness – Des Moines, IA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a premier, vertically integrated agribusiness headquartered in the heart of America’s agricultural landscape, Des Moines, IA. Our client is a multi-generational leader in the industry, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices, technological innovation, and producing high-quality agricultural products that feed the nation. With a diverse portfolio spanning crop production, processing, and distribution, they are poised for significant growth and are seeking an executive leader to steer their operational future.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO will be the strategic partner responsible for the entire scope of the company’s day-to-day operations. This is a transformative role for a leader who can translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned operational expert with a profound understanding of the agribusiness sector, capable of driving efficiency, profitability, and scalability across a complex organization. You will be entrusted with optimizing a sophisticated supply chain, leading a large and diverse workforce, and championing a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on a respected company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of American agriculture.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Agribusiness – Des Moines, IA
The COO will have a broad and critical set of responsibilities, overseeing all operational functions to ensure business objectives are met efficiently and effectively. This includes strategic planning, process optimization, financial management, and team leadership.
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and other C-suite executives to establish and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision, operational strategy, and growth initiatives.
- Translate the company’s strategic plans into defined operational plans, challenging assumptions and providing financial rigor to all decisions.
- Evaluate and lead key investments in equipment, infrastructure, and technology to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
- Identify, analyze, and recommend potential mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to fuel growth and expand market presence.
- Serve as a key company spokesperson, representing the organization with major customers, industry associations, government agencies, and the financial community.
Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Management
- Direct and oversee all operational departments, including farming operations, procurement, processing plants, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and lower costs.
- Develop and manage a robust, end-to-end supply chain strategy that ensures efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness from farm to fork.
- Oversee all capital expenditure projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Implement and enforce rigorous standards for quality control, food safety (HACCP, SQF), and workplace safety (OSHA) across all facilities and operations.
- Leverage technology, including ERP systems, precision agriculture tools, and data analytics, to drive operational insights and improvements.
Financial Oversight & Performance Management
- Assume full P&L responsibility for all operational divisions, driving both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability.
- Lead the annual operational budgeting and financial forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for all operational areas, holding teams accountable for results.
- Analyze and interpret operational and financial data to identify trends, pinpoint challenges, and capitalize on opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with the CFO on risk management strategies, including commodity hedging and management of market volatility, by staying informed on the latest agricultural market trends and economic outlooks.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing senior operational leadership team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Promote a company culture that encourages top performance, high morale, and alignment with the company’s core values of integrity, innovation, and stewardship.
- Oversee talent management for the operations division, including recruitment, succession planning, and professional development programs to build a strong leadership pipeline.
- Establish clear goals and expectations for direct reports and the broader operations team, providing regular feedback and performance management.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Agribusiness – Des Moines, IA
We are seeking a world-class executive with a proven track record of operational leadership and success within the agribusiness or a closely related industry.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive operational role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) within the agriculture, food production, or food processing industry.
P&L Management
Demonstrable experience managing a significant P&L for a large-scale, complex operation.
Industry Knowledge
Deep and comprehensive understanding of the agribusiness value chain, including crop science, farming operations, commodity markets, processing, and distribution.
Leadership
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, multi-disciplinary teams. A track record of building a positive and accountable culture.
Strategic Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to execute tactically.
Financial Literacy
Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.
Preferred Qualifications
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- Experience in a vertically integrated business model is a significant advantage.
- Direct experience with precision agriculture technologies, ag-tech innovations, and modern ERP systems.
- Proven success in leading business transformations, integrations, or significant change management initiatives.
- Experience working within a private equity-backed or family-owned enterprise environment.
- Strong negotiation skills with experience in managing major supplier and customer contracts.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Executive Bonus Plan
A lucrative annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Significant equity or long-term cash incentive participation, providing an opportunity for substantial wealth creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave package.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary operational leader with the experience and passion to drive a leading agribusiness to new heights, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the Food & Agribusiness sector. To learn more about our expertise or to submit your application, please visit the JRG Partners Food & Agribusiness practice area page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
