OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS:
Title: President
Location: Adair, Iowa
Are you passionate about agriculture and food as well as the farms and businesses that make it all happen?
Are you in agriculture leadership today with a track record of success?
Do you see your career eventually leading to a President’s position? Is that time now? Perhaps you are currently a VP, COO or CFO looking for something new, maybe somewhere new?:)
Are you ready to tackle the strategic challenge of helping an expanding agribusiness company build upon an already impressive legacy of over 40 years?
If you’re interested in ag leadership roles, this might be the one for you!
THE ROLE:
President
Are you comfortable leading people and being the face of an enterprise? Agri Drain Corp. is a well-oiled, highly-regarded, Midwest manufacturing company that is in need of a visionary. Someone who cares as much about the people running the organization as they do the mission itself. A leader who goes above and beyond to educate and serve customers using an array of proprietary products with unparalleled guarantees. You don’t need to be an engineer or a manufacturing guru to understand what Agri Drain does–the products are straightforward, reliable, and well-known throughout the industry.
The title says it all–President. You will be the driving force behind the business; taking the time to get under the hood to figure out how it works, how long it takes, and how to improve it. You will work closely with the board of directors and company leadership to forecast, administer, and execute the mission, policies, procedures, and fiduciary activities of the overall business. The overall health of the company is strong, buoyed by the market shift to sustainability and staffed with good people who care about their company, jobs, and communities; people who can help competently keep things going while you evolve the vision and determine ways to add new growth. You will be the outward spokesperson for the organization with the charge to strategically implement and execute business growth goals.
Although the founder and longtime President is stepping away after a nearly 50 year run, he will help to coordinate introductions as well as foster the transition within existing channels of business. The new President will not land in this role flat-footed as you’ll work hand-in-hand with the current president and leadership to realize the succession plan.
The President will be the prominent change agent in scouting and winning new business, either organically or through acquisition. As of today, the strength of the brand comes from the building and maintaining of an organizational methodology that keeps the venture secure–but hitting new growth goals will be paramount. Hopping on a flight to attend trade shows, engaging interest groups, keeping up-to-date on industry news, making key visits, etc.--as the President, your days will be busy.
An additional upside with this role, beyond day one, is the trust and latitude to strategically and creatively grow a thriving agribusiness with a great reputation. The President will need to be visible–working on-site, unless traveling for various prospecting and client engagements. This is a role for someone oriented around the row crop, production agriculture lifestyle and who understands what it’s like to work and live in that realm.
This is a well-run, well-established, legacy-led company with the capacity and interest to expand their footprint and portfolio by taking advantage of the upsurge in sustainable agricultural practices throughout North America.
This growing company needs quality leadership…Is that you?
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Agri Drain Corporation is a fast-growing, well-funded agribusiness company located in Iowa specializing in sustainable irrigation focused on soil and water conservation. Agri Drain originally began serving the farmers of Iowa and now serves farms all across the US and Canada with environmentally friendly manufacturing equipment and processes. Agri Drain was formed in 1976 when Charlie Schafer and two of his brothers, Chris and Bill, began installing drainage tubing for Iowa farmers. In 1984, construction activities were discontinued and their attention was turned to product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Since then the company has flourished and established itself as one of the premiere names in drainage and water management. Charlie is looking to step away from the business and Midwest Growth Partners is looking to find a first-rate heir apparent.
Agri Drain Corporation has 47 employees from 13 communities that work in a well-equipped, 84,000-square-foot facility based in Adair, Iowa selling to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Agri Drain is America’s most complete manufacturer and supplier of products for drainage water management, sub-irrigation, wetlands, ponds, lakes, erosion control, and land improvement. They are looking for an individual with a strong background in leadership and agriculture who can develop and execute a sustainable business plan.
Please click the links below to learn about the Agri Drain Corporation:
Associated links:
About Midwest Growth Partners:
Midwest Growth Partners (MGP) is a private equity fund manager, responsible for more than $300 million of private capital across multiple funds. MGP seeks to make succession liquidity or growth capital investments in established companies in underserved rural markets which are managed by great people who share a cultural fit with their team. You can learn more about the company, it’s leadership team, their investment strategy and current portfolio here:
MGP is committing resources to Agri Drain with an objective to purchase other subsurface irrigation “look-alikes” and bring them into the Agri Drain family. As the President, your keen understanding and curiosity of the market will help pave the way. The goal today is to be a good steward while growing revenues and keeping an eye on the operation. There could be an even bigger potential leadership opportunity down the road. While nothing is certain, if you’re the right person for this role, your success might make you the right person for an even larger, more profitable enterprise. MGP has a stellar reputation and their involvement only makes the prospects that much more exciting.
REQUIREMENTS:
Develop and cultivate organization strategy and ensure capable leadership succession.
Develop, submit, and implement short-term and long-term business plans designed to secure the growth of the business market share and profitability.
Develop a strong management team approach to problem solving, issue resolution, business strategy planning, market opportunities, and talent evaluation and development
Develop a communications strategy to ensure that short and long-term business objectives are understood throughout the business, specifically as those objectives relate to new product development, business growth and profitability, and any significant changes in management or organizational design.
Create and maintain close customer and supplier relationships, participating in the sales/purchasing process, maintaining a competitive market understanding, and actively promoting the businesses products and accomplishments in industry and general business media.
Review all functional elements of the current organization to confirm that the most effective resources are being appropriately utilized and that the infrastructure can meet the strategic needs of the business plan.
Proactively understand the market trends in the water management/irrigation space and build business strategy to capture market share and drive business growth.
Support to organize and direct a world-class manufacturing effort that optimizes facility utilization, applies state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, efficiently manages materials and logistics and meets the high standards of the industry and customer base.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong background in the Agriculture industry, preferable with row crop experience.
Leadership role(s) in one’s background…CFO or COO or perhaps even President or CEO.
At least ten (10) years of progressive business experience.
Strong strategic planning experience with functional experience in business development, marketing, and finance.
Demonstrated experience in ensuring execution and deliverables as required in various business initiatives.
Functional experience in manufacturing is highly desirable but not a requirement.
Functional experience in marketing is highly desirable but not required
A general understanding of water management and/or irrigation products or industry, or complementary industry is highly desirable but not required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Market competitive compensation consisting of base and annual performance bonus
Equity position
Full benefit package: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental insurance
Paid vacation, personal days, sick time, and holidays
401(k) with employer matching
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Cell phone provided or reimbursed
Relocation allowance provided (if needed)
Would you be open to moving to Iowa if you’re not in the “Hawkeye State” today? Relocation is available for those interested in making a move with the main office location being the factory in Adair, roughly an hour from both Des Moines and Omaha.
KEYWORDS
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Agricultural Manufacturing, Agricultural Water Management, Irrigation, Sub-Irrigation, Subsurface Irrigation, Drainage, Tile Drainage, Controlled Tile Drainage, Drainage Grading, Conservation Planning, Dual-use Tile Drainage, Tubing, Plastics, Erosion Control, Land Improvement, Lift Stations, Pond & Wetland Construction, President, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Chief Operations Officer, COO, CFO
CONTACT:
AG HeadHunters
(615) 686-2099
EEOC STATEMENT:
We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We are also committed to diversity and helping to create an inclusive environment for our clients. If you can do this job you will not be denied consideration.