Ranch Operations Manager – Stovall Ranches

Position Title: Ranch Operations Manager

Name of Ranch/Business: Stovall Ranches

Location: Billings, MT

Our client is a diversified agricultural enterprise with operations spanning ranching, cattle feeding, farming, and carbon renewable agriculture production systems.

The ideal leader for this Ranch Operations Manager (ROM) role will thrive in a “traditional” culture, earning the crew’s respect by demonstrating deep job knowledge and actively assisting with daily physical tasks. We seek a “business runner”—a professional who excels in maintaining and enhancing the high standards of an already successful operation. This position offers the satisfaction of full ownership over daily execution, established protocols, and crew management, without the burdens of market volatility or financing concerns.

The company upholds its rich legacy through a commitment to operational excellence and continual innovation. This focus is designed to ensure sustainable growth and a secure future for upcoming generations.

• Technical Agricultural Knowledge:
  Core strengths must include deep knowledge of cattle, equipment, and general ranch operations.
• Feedyard
  
  Experience:
  
  There is a strong bias toward candidates with specific experience in feedyard operations, despite being a separate operation.
• Leadership Style:
  Must be a “people manager” capable of leading a traditional ranch crew.
• Operational Mindset: A “boots on the ground” mentality is required, distinct from a senior corporate executive role.
• Resilience:
  Ability to handle the physical demands of the job while maintaining administrative competence.

The Ranch Operations Manager (ROM) is an execution-focused leader overseeing daily operations, implementing protocols and policies in the field. This hands‑on management role requires the ROM to work alongside the crew for smooth operations and team respect. The ROM serves as a crucial communication link between the crew and the President, who handles high‑level strategy, commodity management, and grazing plans.

• Operational Execution:
  Focus on the strict execution of policies and protocols set by senior management rather than high‑level strategic planning.
• Team Leadership:
  Directly manage a diverse team, including a Livestock Manager, four cowboys/ranch hands, an Operations Foreman, H2A workers, and part‑time help.
• Versatility:
  Possess the ability and willingness to fill in for any key ranch employee (e.g., cowboy, equipment operator) if they were to quit, ensuring no interruption in operations.
• Protocol Development:
  Collaborate with senior management and existing staff to develop and refine operational protocols relative to experience.
• Culture Building:
  Foster a work environment that attracts men who “want to work for the ROM”.
• Administrative Balance:
  Balance administrative duties (protocols, policies) with the physical demands of the job.

Competitive annual base salary depending on experience.

Please contact Reese Chism.

Reese Chism
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