Centerra Co-Op is hiring a CEO, in Ashland, OH, to partner with the Board of Directors and Leadership Team to develop and execute the cooperative’s strategic and operational efforts that support its fundamental business purpose which is to bring value to its agricultural members.
About Centerra : We are a leading, member-owned agricultural cooperative serving producers and rural communities across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Ashland, Ohio, we operate more than 30 locations and deliver a diversified portfolio of agronomy, grain, feed, energy, and retail services. With a strong balance of legacy and growth, Centerra is focused on driving producer success through operational excellence, disciplined financial management, and forward-looking innovation.
We are hiring
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the strategic direction of the cooperative, driving financial and operational performance while delivering long-term value to its member-owners. In this role, you will lead a high-performing leadership team, foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. This role represents a planned transition from a retiring CEO, offering the opportunity to build on a strong foundation while positioning the organization for future growth. Working closely with a 10-member Board of Directors, you will ensure strong governance and alignment with the cooperative values. This role oversees 6 direct reports and leads an organization of 350+ full-time employees.
This role offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonus, comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k) with company match, relocation assistance, and a company vehicle.
Enjoy partnering with a well-structured, engaged Board of Directors that is aligned, forward-thinking, and supportive of growth, innovation, and expanded strategic vision.
Key Priorities:
- Strategic Leadership: Set and execute the long-term vision and strategy, positioning the cooperative for sustained growth and competitiveness.
- Financial Performance: Drive revenue, profitability, and financial strength while ensuring sound planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability for member-owners.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee efficient, high-performing operations, establish clear metrics, and lead continuous improvement across the organization.
- Leadership & Culture: Build and develop a strong leadership team while fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and alignment with cooperative values.
- Board & Member Engagement: Partner with the Board of Directors and maintain strong relationships with members, customers, and the communities served.
- Governance & Risk: Ensure effective governance, compliance, and risk management to protect the cooperative’s assets and reputation.
Desired Experience
The ideal candidate has prior experience within a cooperative as well as experience in a C-suite level role. While strongly preferred, neither are required. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Experience in sales and/or operations serving customers directly, particularly farmers.
- Proven business acumen and manage the competing goals of sales, operations and back-office.
- Understanding of the agronomy business, risks and opportunities.
- Understanding of the grain business including originators, merchandising, and international drivers of volume and margin growth.
- Diverse industry business from wholesale to retail (liquid fuel, propane, feed, retail).
- Experience successfully deploying technological change within agribusiness.
- Evaluation and implementation of new business, merger & acquisition
- Drive innovation and competitive advantage through evolving the company’s digital landscape.