Reports to: CEO

FLSA: Exempt

Organizational Background

Columbia Grain International, LLC. is a long time established full-service grain company in the grain and pulses business. We are headquartered in Portland, Oregon and own/operate over 50 elevators and offices throughout WA, ID, MN, MT, NE and ND to support our domestic and export sales program.

We are a mid-size company with just over 450 employees overall. The employees at Columbia Grain, at all levels of our organization, represent some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. We are proud of our ability to attract and maintain talented, efficient, long term, community minded employees who can develop lasting relationships with producers and customers both domestic and around the world.

Position Description

The Sr. Director of Retail Seed & Agronomy will oversee Columbia Grains retail seed business as well as our fertilizer and chemical operations. This newly-created position will be responsible for P&L of the retail seed and agronomy division, staff supervision, process improvement, customer service, sales and merchandising. The Sr. Director will also be tasked with strategically growing the retail seed and agronomy division. With managed, sustained growth, this position may develop into a VP-level position. Location to be limited to either Portland, OR, or Great Falls, MT, corporate offices.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee seed operations in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota with focus on seed sale outlet expansion. This will include wheat, corn, soybeans, pulse, dry bean, canola, flax and any other variety that could create revenue
• Work with other divisions of Columbia Grain to develop, propagate and promote Columbia Grains preferred varieties to meet end-user customer demand.
• Research, monitor and analyze variety of factors to capitalize on retail seed and agronomy market opportunities and minimize effects of competitive activity.
• Develop and execute a strategic agronomy operation plan that aligns customer service, sales and volume building, merchandising, inventory management, budgeting, and expense control with business and financial goals.
• Direct daily operations in a manner that optimizes resources and team member skills to achieve profitability targets.
• Review and analyze financial reports to identify opportunities to increase operating efficiencies.
• Handle escalated customer inquiries, ensures adequate supply of bulk and/or packaged merchandise.
• Foster continuous communication to support team members.
• Lead the development of a highly effective team.
• Complete performance reviews and administer corrective actions when necessary.
• Promote the brand and values of Columbia Grain in a positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community and sales region.
• Cultivate and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Agronomy, plant science or a related field.
• 12 years of advisory, experimental, or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Crop Advisor Certification (CCA)
• Preferred experience with Precision AG.
• Ability to set goals for sales staff, keep employees on target, and hold employees accountable.
• Ability to troubleshoot plant growth related problems and offer recommendation using information included in soil, nematode, plant waste, solution and/or soilless media laboratory report, visual observations, nutrient management history and environmental conditions.
• Excellent leadership skills and abilities, including communication, modeling appropriate behavior, training, and communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with growers, industry personnel and agricultural organizations.
• Ability and desire to keep current on technical advancements in industry.
• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work outside, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.
• Proficient with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
• Valid drivers license and willingness to travel.
• Ability to be self-directed and work under limited direct supervision.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptive to successfully achieve the function of the position.

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