CEO, AgTech – Des Moines, IA

Role Overview for CEO, AgTech – Des Moines, IA

JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a pioneering, venture-backed agricultural technology (AgTech) company headquartered in the heart of America’s agricultural landscape, Des Moines, Iowa. Our client is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions that address critical challenges in food production, sustainability, and farm profitability. With a robust portfolio of proprietary technologies, a talented team, and strong investor backing, the company is poised for exponential growth and market leadership.

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader with a profound understanding of the agricultural industry and a passion for technology-driven innovation. The CEO will be the driving force behind the company’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. This individual will be responsible for scaling the organization, expanding its market presence, and solidifying its position as a global leader in the AgTech space. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will have full P&L responsibility and will be entrusted with shaping the future of the company and, by extension, the future of agriculture itself. This is a unique opportunity to lead a mission-driven organization from a position of strength, leveraging the rich agricultural ecosystem of Des Moines to build a world-class enterprise.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of success in high-growth environments. They will possess exceptional leadership skills, financial acumen, and the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, agronomists, and business professionals. This role demands a leader who can navigate the complexities of fundraising, strategic partnerships, and global market expansion while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to the company’s mission.

Key Responsibilities of CEO, AgTech – Des Moines, IA

The Chief Executive Officer will be accountable for the overall performance and success of the organization. Key responsibilities are broad and strategic, encompassing the following areas:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a clear, compelling, and long-term strategic vision for the company in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth, ensuring alignment across all departments.
• Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, technological advancements, and competitive opportunities to maintain a leading edge.
• Champion the company’s mission and values, ensuring they are embedded in the culture and daily operations.

Financial & Operational Management

• Assume full P&L responsibility, driving revenue growth and profitability while managing costs effectively.
• Oversee the company’s fiscal activity, including budgeting, reporting, and auditing, to ensure financial health and compliance.
• Lead future fundraising efforts (e.g., Series B, C) by cultivating relationships with venture capital, private equity, and strategic investors.
• Implement robust operational processes and systems to scale the business efficiently and support rapid growth.
• Ensure all legal and regulatory compliance obligations are met across all jurisdictions of operation.

Product & Technology Innovation

• Foster a culture of relentless innovation, overseeing the product roadmap and technology strategy to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
• Drive the development and commercialization of new products and services that meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.
• Champion research and development initiatives, ensuring the company remains a leader in innovative agricultural technologies and intellectual property.
• Ensure product-market fit and a superior customer experience through continuous feedback and iteration.

Stakeholder & Investor Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the company, representing it to clients, investors, partners, and the media.
• Maintain transparent and effective communication with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on performance, strategy, and market conditions.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with key customers, strategic partners, and industry influencers to drive business development and brand equity.
• Effectively manage investor relations to ensure continued confidence and support for the company’s strategic direction.

Team Leadership & Culture Development

• Attract, retain, and develop a world-class executive team and workforce.
• Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive corporate culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the senior leadership team, empowering them to lead their respective functions effectively.
• Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs) and a system of accountability throughout the organization.

Requirements for the CEO, AgTech – Des Moines, IA

The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of leadership experience, industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit. We are seeking a candidate who meets the following qualifications:

Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive senior leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a P&L-responsible role (e.g., CEO, GM, President, COO).
• Proven track record of success in scaling a technology-focused company, preferably within a venture-backed or high-growth environment.
• Deep experience and a strong network within the agriculture, AgTech, or adjacent industries (e.g., food production, biotechnology, precision agriculture) is highly required.
• Demonstrable success in raising capital (e.g., Series A, B, C funding rounds) from institutional investors.
• Experience in managing and reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Experience in M&A activities, including due diligence and integration, is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a talent for identifying and seizing market opportunities.
• Superior financial acumen with a deep understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, and SaaS or technology business metrics.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring confidence and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation skills, with experience in forging strategic partnerships and closing complex commercial deals.
• An authentic and empowering leadership style with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

Education & Personal Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• A visionary mindset with a genuine passion for transforming agriculture through technology.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and emotional intelligence.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Willingness to be based in Des Moines, IA, and engage actively with the local and regional AgTech ecosystem.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining a top-tier leader and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:

• A competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus.
• A significant and meaningful equity stake in the company.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
• Substantial paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Relocation assistance for the right candidate to move to the vibrant Des Moines area.
• A professional development allowance to support continuous learning and industry engagement.
• The opportunity to make a tangible and lasting impact on a global scale.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this critical leadership search. If you are a visionary leader with the experience and passion to drive the next chapter of growth for a leading AgTech innovator, we encourage you to apply.

To submit your application, please provide your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our page on our AgTech Executive Recruiters practice. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing this exciting opportunity with you.