Animal Science Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of EPL Feed. This role oversees everything from mill production and ingredient procurement to nutritional consulting services and fleet logistics. The GM ensures that EPL Feed remains the premier partner for regional dairy and livestock producers by delivering high-quality, custom nutritional solutions and maintaining a culture of safety and integrity.

This role is based at EPL Feed in Sumas, WA. A relocation package will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead long-term strategic planning to expand market share and modernize facility infrastructure.
• Ensure there are well established metrics and review on a regular cadence the operational performance of the two feed mills.
• Through the plant managers, ensure the mills safely deliver high-quality, cost-efficient products. 
• Deliver a high level of customer service while optimizing fleet performance and efficiency.

2. Financial & Business Management

• Full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure planning.
• Improve return on investment through disciplined expense management, sales growth, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Ensure the team actively monitors commodity markets to optimize ingredient procurement and manage price risk.
• Drive sales growth by maintaining high-level relationships with key dairy accounts and identifying new business opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
• Regularly report financial progress and plans business strategy in partnership with the Board of Directors.

3. Nutrition & Quality Assurance

• Maintain strict adherence to industry regulations, including FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ensure all custom mixes and commodity blends meet the standards the company is known for.

4. People & Culture

• Foster a high-performance culture rooted in transparency, mutual respect, and safety.
• Directly manage and mentor department heads across Production, Sales, Logistics, Finance and Administration.
• Support talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning to ensure the organization is staffed with capable and empowered team members.
• Ensure the company upholds the highest standards of integrity, compliance, safety, and customer service.

5. Community & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary face of EPL Feed within the local agricultural community and industry associations (e.g., Washington State Dairy Federation).
• Manage emergency response and business continuity planning (e.g., environmental or logistical disruptions) to ensure uninterrupted service to livestock producers.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree in Ruminant Nutrition is a plus.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in agribusiness, preferably within feed mill operations, dairy nutrition, or agricultural retail.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of commodity markets, feed formulation software, and ERP systems.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead diverse team which includes feed mill operators, CDL drivers, nutritionists, and sales teams. 
• Personal Attributes: A "boots-on-the-ground" leadership style; exceptional communication skills; and a deep commitment to the success of the regional farming community.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a mill environment, which may include exposure to grain dust, loud machinery, and varying weather conditions.
• Occasional travel to client farms and regional industry events.

$163,520-$245,280.  In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges. 

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

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