General Manager Trainee

Position Summary

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.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

• 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

Key Responsibilities

Cooperative Operations

• 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.

Business Management

• 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.

Leadership Development

• 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.

Member & Customer Relations

• 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.

Succession & Executive Readiness

• 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.