Director of Cattle Procurement and Management
Northeast IA | Full Time
SUMMARY:
We are seeking a seasoned cattle industry leader to oversee procurement, marketing, risk management, and operational performance across approximately 25 cattle yards.
This position requires a deep, working knowledge of the cattle business from animal health to grid marketing, including futures hedging, GAP compliance, and Natural cattle programs. The Director will manage multiple yard managers and teams while maintaining full awareness of market conditions, breakevens, and profitability drivers.
This role carries significant responsibility and decision-making authority.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Procurement & Market Strategy
- Source and procure feeder cattle aligned with margin and market strategy
- Develop relationships with order buyers, feeders, and producers
- Make buy/sell decisions based on breakevens and market conditions
- Execute grid marketing strategies with packing plants
- Maximize grid premiums and minimize discounts
- Manage futures hedging and risk mitigation strategies
Yard & Operational Oversight
- Direct oversight of ~25 cattle yards and their leadership teams
- Evaluate yard performance, cost of gain, and closeouts
- Ensure strong animal health protocols and veterinary coordination
- Make decisions on:
- Finish vs. early sale to feeder markets
- Health interventions
- Feeding strategies and performance adjustments
Program Management & Compliance
- Oversee GAP compliance and audit readiness
- Manage Natural and crossbred cattle programs
- Ensure documentation, traceability, and quality control standards are maintained
Financial & Performance Accountability
- Monitor cost structures, feed efficiency, and yard profitability
- Analyze carcass data and grid results
- Provide strategic recommendations to ownership
- Drive continuous margin improvement
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred candidate will have:
- 20+ years experience in cattle feeding, procurement, or livestock operations
- Proven experience with grid marketing and packer negotiations
- Strong understanding of futures markets and hedging strategies
- Experience managing Natural and conventional cattle programs
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-location teams
- Strong financial literacy and performance analysis skills
- High integrity and decisive leadership style
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
We are seeking a leader who:
- Understands cattle from purchase to rail
- Knows how to read the market and act decisively
- Can manage both cattle performance and people performance
- Thinks long-term while executing daily
- Takes ownership of profitability
BENEFITS:
Health, Life, Short & Long term Disability, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Flex Spending Plan, Wellness Program, EAP, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacations, Paid Sick Days, Competitive Wage and Great People to work with!
Compensation base is $90,000 salary plus performance incentives.
EEO- Pre-Employment Drug Test and Post-Offer Physical
