Are you a strategic leader with a talent for project management and process optimization? Ready to make a significant impact in the agriculture industry?
Growthland is seeking a dynamic Chief of Staff to join their leadership team at the Marion, Iowa office. This new role will be critical in driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring seamless communication within the organization.
Growthland has over 30 years of expertise in the agriculture industry where they specialize in a comprehensive range of services including Real Estate Brokerage, Farm Property Management, Appraisals, Business Valuation, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Business Advisory. As they continue to expand their presence across Iowa, with offices in Marion, Hampton, Humboldt, and Ottumwa, they are seeking a visionary leader to join their team.
The Chief of Staff (CoS) is a leadership role designed to support the GM and executive team by managing key strategic initiatives and overseeing operational functions. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of high cognitive ability, emotional insight, and a results-driven mindset. This position demands a strategic thinker who excels in a fast-paced environment, adept at managing multiple priorities while driving process improvements and aligning with company objectives.
Experience in ag retail (agronomy, grain, equipment, feed, finance) and a solid understanding of financial management are highly valued.
Key Responsibilities:
Executive Management Support:
Partner with the GM and senior executives to manage company priorities and strategic initiatives, driving innovation and change.
Prepare detailed briefing materials, reports, and presentations for executive meetings, key customers, and decision-making processes.
Serve as a decisive liaison between the executive team and other departments, including satellite offices, facilitating effective communication and coordination.
Operational Oversight:
Oversee and optimize daily operational functions to ensure smooth and efficient business processes, demonstrating a high level of organization and attention to detail.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance organizational effectiveness, drive process improvements, and manage risks effectively.
Monitor performance metrics and provide actionable recommendations for operational improvements.
Strategic Project Management:
Lead and coordinate high-priority projects and initiatives with a focus on strategic outcomes and calculated risk-taking, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and key customer needs.
Develop comprehensive project plans, allocate resources, and track progress to achieve project objectives while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Identify and address potential risks and challenges with innovative solutions.
Facilitate and support cross-departmental communication, ensuring swift yet strategic decision-making.
Team Leadership:
Mentor and guide a team of staff or project coordinators, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
Allocate resources efficiently and provide the necessary support to ensure team members meet their objectives, demonstrating high standards and control of work processes.
Exhibit strong leadership with a candid, to-the-point communication style and a focus on quality work and professional development.
Financial Acumen:
Utilize a foundational understanding of financial principles to support budget management and financial reporting with accuracy and thoroughness.
Collaborate with finance teams to track financial performance and assist in developing financial strategies.
Monitor and report on the organization’s financial health.
Skills:
Proven expertise in project management
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Strategic leadership and team management
Process improvement and efficiency
Fundamental financial acumen
Confidentiality and discretion
Technical proficiency
Personal Attributes:
Strategic and innovative thinker
High emotional intelligence
Proactive and results-driven
Ability to multi-task and adapt
Independent and decisive
Working Conditions:
Office-based role with required business-related travel.
May involve extended hours or flexibility to meet organizational needs and deadlines.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus but not required.
Experience: 5-7 years in a senior administrative or management role, preferably with a background in the agricultural industry and solid grasp of financial management.
Licensing: Must obtain a real estate license for Iowa and surrounding states while employed.
Headquartered in Marion, Iowa, we focus on agriculture property and businesses, amongst several other industries. We specialize in Appraisals, Ag Property Management, Real Estate & Business Brokerage, and Advising. Our typical client is experiencing a transition point in their life or business. This can include, but not limited to: family transitions, Acquisitions of additional assets, exiting the business; selling of assets and assent management requiring specific skill set.
Our primary service area is the State of Iowa and surrounding states. Our depth in appraisal and real estate services within the agriculture industry, particularly livestock, creates a regional footprint capable of handling large, complex transactions. In 2021 we valued $900,000,000 in appraisals, brokered approximately $45 Million in real estate and businesses, and manage around 30,000 acres of land and 65 swine finishers. We were also fortunate to acquire Mid-States Farm Management which established an office in Ottumwa, Iowa and increased our geographical footprint in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois.
Our goal is to use our knowledge to create value for our clients.