General Manager Trainee

Smyrna-Clayton Coop is seeking a high-potential leader to participate in a 12-18 month General Manager Development Program designed to prepare the successful candidate for future cooperative leadership opportunities. Through structured training, hands-on operational experience, and mentorship, the selected candidate will build the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead a multi-location agricultural cooperative.

This unique leadership opportunity provides structured development across all aspects of cooperative operations, including agronomy, energy, farm and retail supply, financial management, sales, and member relations. The selected candidate will work closely with cooperative leadership and gain hands-on experience leading teams, driving business performance, and supporting strategic initiatives.

Upon successful completion of the program, the candidate will be well-positioned to pursue senior leadership opportunities within the cooperative and apply the skills gained through the development experience.

• Defined pathway to General Manager leadership
• Direct mentorship from an experienced cooperative executive
• Exposure to multiple business units and revenue streams
• Hands-on operational and strategic leadership experience
• Participation in business planning, budgeting, and financial management
• Opportunity to build relationships with members, customers, employees, and community leaders

• Complete rotational assignments across the agronomy, energy, farm supply, and retail business units.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of daily operations, customer service, inventory management, logistics, and sales execution.
• Learn operational best practices, policies, and regulatory requirements across all departments.
• Support safety, environmental, and compliance programs.

• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and performance analysis.
• Monitor key business metrics and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Support annual business planning and strategic growth initiatives.
• Assist in managing expenses, assets, and inventory investments.

• Develop supervisory and team leadership capabilities through coaching, employee development, and workforce planning.
• Partner with department managers to improve team performance and customer satisfaction.
• Lead projects and operational initiatives that support cooperative goals.
• Participate in hiring, training, and employee engagement activities.

• Build strong relationships with cooperative members, producers, residential customers, and community stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts and identify opportunities to increase sales and market share.
• Represent the cooperative in community events, industry meetings, and member activities.
• Promote the cooperative's mission, values, and commitment to customer service.

• Work directly with the General Manager to gain exposure to executive decision-making and strategic planning.
• Attend leadership meetings and gain insight into cooperative governance and board relationships.
• Develop the skills necessary to lead a multi-department agricultural business.
• Develop the executive leadership capabilities necessary to successfully lead a cooperative operation in the future.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  o Agribusiness
  o Energy or petroleum operations
  o Farm supply or agricultural retail
  o Sales or business development
  o Operations management
  o Cooperative operations
  o Agriculture production
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or project management experience preferred.

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally within the region.
• Ability to work extended hours during seasonal business periods as needed.
• Willingness to continue professional development and leadership training.

Career Progression Opportunity
This position is designed to develop the cooperative's next General Manager. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and operational leadership experience to prepare for a future transition into the General Manager role.

Southern States Cooperative, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.