Operations Support Specialist

Organizational Background

Columbia Grain International, LLC is a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for domestic and worldwide export markets. Our vertically integrated company is headquartered in Portland, OR, and we own and operate over 60 facilities including grain elevators and pulse processing plants across WA, ID, MT, NE, and ND.

At all levels of our organization, our employees are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. We've spent over 40 years cultivating lasting partnerships with a wide network of producers and the local communities surrounding our facilities, which enables us to source the highest quality product to fulfill our mission of feeding the world.

Position Description

The Operations Support Specialist provides critical support to the General Manager by assisting with daily operational functions across quality assurance, employee safety, inventory management, and production coordination. This role serves as a key right-hand partner to the General Manager, helping ensure smooth, consistent plant operations and providing reliable backup support when needed. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance
  • Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Conducting regular inspections of inbound and outbound products.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality inquiries. 
  • Maintain documentation, reports, and QA records. 
• Employee Safety
  •  Support safety protocols and promote a safe workplace. 
  • Assist with safety trainings and required reporting. 
  • Encourage ongoing safety awareness. 
• Inventory Control
  • Monitor inventory levels and identify replenishment needs. 
  • Assist with cycle counts, reconciliation, and tracking. 
  • Report discrepancies and support inventory planning. 
• Production Coordination
  • Coordinate communication between production, logistics, origination, and sales.
• • Support scheduling adjustments and operational priorities. 
  • Ensure smooth cross-departmental workflow. 
• Support to General Manager
  • Assist with daily operational execution, reporting, and analysis. 
  • Contribute to strategic planning and process improvements. 
  • Act as a backup during General Manager absences to maintain continuity. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of agricultural, manufacturing, or processing environments. 
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint). 
• Strong customer service, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. 
• Ability to build positive relationships across departments. 

Desired Qualifications

• College Degree preferred.
• Knowledge or experience with GMP, HACCP, SQF standards.
• Familiarity with the pulse industry.
• Experience with inventory and DPR management.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to extreme heat, moving mechanical parts, wet or humid conditions, elevated work areas, electrical hazards, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, various weather conditions, vibrations and loud noise. The noise level is typically high but within acceptable limits (hearing protection is available, though not required by OSHA).

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Approximately 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.
• Frequent use of a computer keyboard.
• Occasional travel required.

Benefits Offered

• Comprehensive health, dental, and RX benefits
• Company paid life insurance and disability
• Flexible spending plans
• Employee assistance program
• 401K Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required.

Columbia Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer