Chief Operating Officer – Agriculture Operations

Manulife

Chief Operating Officer overseeing agricultural management and operations at Manulife Agriculture Services. Leading team development and financial planning for agricultural investments.

Posted 7/6/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $152,900 - $283,800 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams.
Provide coaching and mentorship to expand team capabilities and leadership skills.
Foster a collaborative culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Promote cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared goals.
Oversee day-to-day property operations across multiple regions.
Implement strategies that align with stakeholder needs and company objectives.
Drive efficiency initiatives and cost optimization measures, driving towards improved ROI.
Promote transparent communication of KPI’s and performance metrics to develop ownership and alignment across all business units.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.
Monitor performance against KPIs and adjust strategies as needed.
Communicate variances and operational challenges to the portfolio management and client service leads promptly.
Build strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and exceptional service.
Lead with a de-risking mindset to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal governance.
Lead organizational planning efforts, including workforce planning and organizational design.
Support major change initiatives such as mergers, system implementations, or restructuring.
Champion change management strategies to ensure adoption and smooth transitions.
Provide regular reports and insights to the Head of Asset Management, and at times, the platform leadership team.
Communicate operational priorities, progress, and performance to internal teams.
Ensure transparency and alignment across organizational levels.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience leading large teams in complex agricultural operations.
Proven ability to build and sustain a positive team culture while delivering operational results.
Established network with market participants (industry boards, associations, processors, crop consultants, etc.)
Strong knowledge of permanent crop management and marketing.
Exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and conflict resolution.
Highly entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive initiatives to completion.
Advanced financial acumen, including budgeting and cost analysis.
Proficiency in sustainable practices, technology and data-driven decision-making.
Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel extensively (50+%).

Benefits

Comp & perks

health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage
adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
employee/family assistance plans
various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
financial education and counseling resources
generous paid time off program (including up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

BudgetingCost AnalysisData-Driven Decision-MakingOperational Strategy ImplementationKPI Monitoring

Soft Skills

CollaborationConflict ResolutionCoachingMentorshipPresentation Skills