|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2 |
|
|
|
GM and CEO Leadership Succession Planning is not a Sprint |
|
|
|
|
|
We have been blessed to work with dozens of boards of directors over the years in General Manager and CEO searches. Every search for the next leader of any business is important but finding that qualified leader who fits your culture takes planning, preparation, and endurance.
Every company’s board of directors who knows they will be transitioning leaders in the next several years should be looking at the process as a marathon. It’s never too early to get started. The process of getting to the point you are ready to hire should be a disciplined mental approach not unlike the skilled and dedicated runner who is preparing for a 26-mile marathon. It takes time. Success does not come quickly or easily; it can only be attained by being purposeful in your planning and preparation. |
|
 |
|
Dave Allen
President, AGRI-SEARCH |
|
|
|
Knowing a retirement or change in leaders is coming in your company and sitting back "hoping things will work out well" is like sitting at home on the couch eating cake and ice cream every night and not training when the marathon is just a few weeks away. Success comes to those who stay disciplined to doing the planning and hard work necessary.
Are you holding back because you are denying reality or just don’t know what you need to do when your GM or CEO retires in a few years? If so, contact us at AGRI-SEARCH. We have a proven track record of working with boards through the entire process of planning and preparation to attract and hire the next leader needed to maintain success in your business. We will be happy to partner with you to take away much of the stress and strain of the executive search process.
It's never too early to get started. Discover how we can help your business smoothly transition into the next generation of leadership you need to ensure continued success. The earlier you start strategizing your plan, the greater the likelihood of your success. In the marathon of transitional leadership, failing to plan surely is planning to fail. But being proactive and successfully completing the process will be your sweet reward! |
|
|
|
Current Open Career Opportunities |
|
|
|
|
|
At AGRI-SEARCH, our staff is committed to bringing top-tier talent to our clients. Open positions change daily, but the need for quality people is constant in every successful business.
Highlighted below are some of our current open positions we are assisting our clients with. If interested in having us assist you in landing talent for one of your positions, or if one of these opportunities looks attractive to you or someone you know, please contact us. |
|
A highly-successful grain processing company is seeking their next Grain Merchandising Manager in Central Kansas. They are seeking a grain professional that can service their extensive customer base, and that has the desire to grow the business. They have a proven track record of success, and enjoy a "small company" culture.
A forward-thinking farmer owned cooperative is seeking to hire an Agronomy Solutions Advisor who will work in northern Ohio. This role is a consultative sales model that will cross sell products and services direct to the farmer customer. The company is focused in agronomy, precision services, energy, and grain. This type of sales model gives you ample opportunities to build a strong relationship with your client. This is a role that can lead to your professional advancement.
Exceptionally well-managed and highly respected family farm in southeastern Iowa is looking for a trustworthy Farm Manager to oversee day to day responsibilities primarily on the grain side of the business. You will spend 90%+ of your time on the grain side, 10% or less on the hog side. This is an excellent growth opportunity for someone who wants to manage a farm but has no farm to go back to. The current farm owner seeks to hand the operation over to a trusted and loyal next generation leader who will take great pride in leading a team and working together to grow this first-class operation.
A third-generation family-owned global manufacturing, distribution, and swine production company is looking for a Feed Mill Manager. The primary responsibilities of this role will be to coordinate and manage the overall feed milling operations including being responsible for a delivery fleet, developing a network of local grain supply, and in addition to the purchasing of ingredients and inventory management. If you have extensive experience in feed manufacturing, and a strong blend of analytical, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills, this position may be the career move that will change your life.
A leading Financial Services firm specializing in the Agribusiness Industry is seeking a full-time Fractional Controller. The Fractional Controller expertly navigates the financial landscapes of client companies, leveraging their specialized expertise in agricultural accounting and finance. At the core of their responsibilities lies the meticulous oversight of financial preparation and analysis, coupled with forward-looking projections of growth potential. Operating in tandem with our team of CFOs across diverse project frameworks, you will play a pivotal role in empowering clients on their journey to sustained success, fostering confidence and clarity every step of the way.
Family owned and operated farm and seed business is seeking an energetic, outgoing and flexible seed salesperson to join their growing team. The successful candidate will be very hands on in all aspects of the seed business. You will be calling on customers, treating seed, managing inventory and making deliveries. The farm has implemented drone technology and envisions this person playing a huge role in the expansion of those operations. While there may be some other general farm help expected, 80-90% of your time will be spent in seed sales and drone technology.
Large agronomy company is seeking two Seed Specialists to work at facilities in central Illinois. These roles are strictly seed, with no agronomy inputs or operations. The roles are open due to promotions, and the company desires individuals who can take over a large book of business and build upon it. The company has major brands plus a successful house brand. You'll be calling upon farmers, scouting fields, and taking care of side-by-side plots. You are expected to be someone who has a minimum of three years selling seeds and is a self-starter. Educational background is open provided you have had experience selling ag products.
Expanding specialty farm operation in Florida is seeking a Hands On Farm Operations Manager to operate this farm as if it were their own. This is a "get your hands dirty" active farming role where you will work this farm as if it is your own; it is not a manager's position where you just point and tell others what to do. In this role you will be more a farmer than a people manager.
Highly respected and established grain company is seeking a Grain Facility Manager for one of their large shuttle loading facilities in Indiana. This is a great facility that is in excellent condition and has modern high speed handling equipment and well staffed with an experienced crew. This is an awesome opportunity to join a great company that strives to build a safe and enjoyable workplace and tremendous career growth.
An industry leading structural steel solutions company in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a recent graduate in Structural Engineering to join their successful and growing team. This multi-family-owned company offers a laid-back culture while priding themselves on their customer-centric processes. This growing team has a culture of accountability to yourself, your team, and the company; you will not be micromanaged. They offer competitive pay and benefits, and your career opportunities are unlimited! |
|
|
|
|
|
Hiring Can Be A (Half) Marathon
Featured Team Member: Brad Jansen |
|
|
|
|
|
Two years ago, I decided I was going to sign up for a half marathon. Mind you, at 6’1, 250 pounds, I did not exactly have a “runner’s body.” I had tried taking up running over the years several times, with no success. I would see friends that loved running and I wanted that for myself, however I ended up hating it every time I tried. A family friend told me about her running journey, and she suggested a running coach that she had a great experience with. Why not? Maybe actually paying someone would keep me accountable.
I had an initial phone call with the coach. He asked me all kinds of questions to understand my background, my body and my goals. He then took that information and made a “Brad-specific” training plan. Along with stretching and proper nutrition, my coach said the |
|
|
|
two most important things are GO SLOW and BE CONSISTENT. Slow? My competitive nature couldn’t comprehend that. I mean, I’m naturally not fast, but I’m a go hard or go home kind of guy. It took me a while to get used to it and swallow my pride, but I eventually did. As the days and weeks went by, I found myself…actually… enjoying running. I was looking forward to my runs. Who was this guy?
Sometimes the hiring process can feel like a marathon or a grind. From searching and filtering candidates, to background checks, to setting up phone and in-person interviews, to making job offers, it can be stressful and overwhelming. Hiring managers are very busy people, and hiring is often not made a priority. If you don’t have the internal resources or are not finding top-level talent, outsource it! We consider ourselves "coaches in the sport of hiring."
Since July of 2022, I have run four half marathons and have gotten progressively faster. I’ve also lost about 30 pounds along the way. I no longer use my running coach, as I feel like I have a solid understanding of how to train. My coach was not cheap, but he was worth every penny. Over the years I’ve learned that if I’m not an expert in a field or don’t enjoy doing it, I need to outsource it. There is somebody out there that knows MUCH more about the subject than I do.
Just like my running coach, at AGRI-SEARCH we take the time to get to know you and your business. Our industry experience and outside perspective gives us a unique ability to coach you through any challenges your company or department may be facing from a people standpoint. We help you through every step of the hiring process and keep you accountable to get the hire made. Who knows, maybe you will even start enjoying it! |
|
|
|
Connecting Quality People to Quality Companies is Our Passion |
|
|
|
|
|
Our job as professional recruiters is to identify, attract, evaluate, and help our clients land top talent for their team. We are constantly working with quality individuals who are positioned for growth in their career and are open to or actively seeking to make a change.
If your team is seeking talent to make a positive difference in your ability to serve your customers, reach out to us and see if it is something we can assist you with.
|
Talented Candidates |
|
|
|
Listed below are just a sampling of the talented candidates we have evaluated recently. If you would like to learn more about these or other candidates we have available, please contact us. |
|
Grain Merchandisers, Originators and Traders who are diversely talented, passionate and looking for new challenges. Some desire to work remotely.
Supply Chain Manager – this professional specializes in supply & demand planning management, logistics, and inventory management with experience in the agriculture and trucking industries. Knowledge-seeking and brings excellent data analysis, decision making abilities, and problem-solving skills. Candidate has a successful track record of saving money and reaching goals, will work remote or hybrid, and has the CPM certification (Certified in Production Inventory Management).
Agronomy, Equipment, or Livestock Territory / Product Manager who thrives in grower facing roles, is seeking a role that will enable a relocation back to the Peoria region of Illinois. This individual has a broad space and can work in almost any industry or in farm management and enjoys helping farmers make important decisions. Desires to be relocated by mid-June 2024.
GM’s and CEO’s – we work with a variety of industry leaders seeking key management positions. Contact us about finding the right leader capable of taking your agricultural business to the next level. |
| Contact Us to Learn More |
|
|
|
Have You Ever Considered that Recruiting Could be Your Career Passion? |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you have a wealth of industry knowledge, several years’ experience in the ag industry, and a network of peers you enjoy engaging with? Do you have the grit to not give up and stay true to the course, no matter how difficult it may be? Are you competitive and possess a strong sales mentality where every "no" is just one step closer to a "yes"?
If so, and you have a passion for connecting with and helping people to go along with your strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, accounting, safety, or other areas, please contact Dave Allen. We would enjoy having a discussion with you about how a recruiting career may be a great fit for you. |
| Meet the AGRI-SEARCH Team |
|
|
|
|
Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH is a professional recruiting firm providing clients with customized recruiting solutions in various niches within the agricultural industry. Our success results from our industry focus, our specialized approach to recruiting, and our staff's lifelong roots in, dedication to, and vast understanding and knowledge of the agricultural industry.
At AGRI-SEARCH, our mission states that we "are committed to serving the agricultural industry with integrity, passion and excellence by assisting our candidates to reach their career goals and helping our client companies build successful teams."
agri-search.com | 217-543-2505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
