CAREERS

Program Manager

The Program Manager will serve three primary functions: 1) Lead, design and implement ranch and finishing programs that support our goal of providing highly attributed beef products to consumers who value ranchers who do the right things for the right reasons. 2) Monitor consumer trends, regulations, and research to modify and update our programs as needed to maintain a strong competitive edge 3) Seek additional funding and grant opportunities for our ranchers and for the CNB meat company, allowing us to stretch ranchers’ dollars and return more to our co-op rancher members.

Reporting Relationship

The Program Manager will report directly to the VP of Marketing & Communication.

Key Challenges

Creating standards that are practical for the rancher, the feeder, and the processor while meeting consumer demands and desires
Navigating program integrity with member participation.
Collaboration between multiple teams, entities, agencies, and members.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement programs that support the growth of our members’ knowledge base and the marketable label attributes for our beef program.
Provide leadership, guidance, direction, and education for a group of approximately 6 Peer-to-Peer group leaders.
Serve as liaison between ranchers, partners (such as conservation/sustainability agencies, technology providers, regulatory entities, etc.), researchers, and customers to articulate the details of the programs and the implications for our products.
Maintain records and dashboards related to our programs that can be shared with internal and external stakeholders
Sell in and onboard ranchers to program requirements. This includes organization of educational seminars, doing individual outreach to our members, and conducting on-site visits to our rancher’s properties, finishing facilities, and/or harvesting facilities.
Research, apply for, and secure grant funding to support our regenerative, environmental and/or animal welfare practices.
Manage grant budgets and reporting requirements.
Monitor consumer trends, food labeling regulations, environmental/sustainability/regenerative ranching regulations/legislation
Propose program changes as needed to meet or exceed the standards to maintain compliance and secure our competitive edge.

First Year Success

Meet (in-person) all peer-to-peer group leaders and core partners within 6 months of hire. Meet (virtually or in-person) at least 20 rancher members one-on-one within 6 months of hire.
Build a calendar of Peer to Peer group communications, educational opportunities, and deadlines within the first 90 days.
Create a 5-year plan for our attribute programs, including contingencies and milestones for reviews and modifications
Complete the first rancher Lifecycle Analysis for CNB (currently in-flight)
Support the launch of our regeneratively raised label claim by: o Finalizing our program standards o Ensuring all ranchers have completed their requirements for 2025 (written grazing plans, annual observations, etc.) o Speaking to internal staff, members, and customers about the inner workings and value of the program(s).

Location and Travel

The Program Manager will be based out of the Pacific Northwest (Ideally in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho). Annual overnight travel is estimated at approximately 30% which includes participation in company meetings, membership events, ranch/finishing/production facility visits, and/or professional development opportunities.

Experience

Resilient
Gritty
Confident
Determined
A positive, self-motivated attitude
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Proficient knowledge in cattle management, grazing lands, and beef production
Passion for the beef industry and environmental stewardship
Leadership and persuasion skills
Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently while also demonstrating a strong commitment to a team environment
Ability to work long days outdoors if needed in a variety of climates and rugged terrain
Valid US driver’s license

Competencies

Be a visionary – Take business strategies and design new, exciting programs that move our business forward and are practical for our stakeholders and partners
Problem Solver – A thinker who is able to synthesize complex systems and multifactorial priorities and propose practical solutions.
Achiever –Must take personal ownership to design and implement projects and programs and accountability of the results.
Team Player – Communicates and builds effective working relationships in a remote environment.

Country Natural Beef Overview

Country Natural Beef got its start in 1986 when some forward-thinking ranchers, Doc and Connie Hatfield, had an idea to pool together a network of local ranchers to raise natural beef for customers. This idea would allow ranchers to remain economically viable while providing natural, sustainably raised beef to consumers. Over thirty years later, the Co-Op is still deeply rooted in the philosophy of sustainability for the ranchers, the cattle, and the environment.

Country Natural Beef has expanded its footprint from the Pacific Northwest to providing quality meat to customers all over the Western United States and to retailers like Whole Foods, New Seasons Market, PCC, Town & Country, Chipotle, ShakeShack and more. The Co-Op’s growth hasn’t taken away from its primary focus of having high animal welfare standards, being stewards of the land, and giving back to its rural communities. Country Natural Beef embraces animal welfare, quality, and environmental stewardship with 3rd party verified attributes like GAP, Non-GMO, and Grazewell™.

Operations

Country Natural Beef (CNB) started with 13 original ranchers. Today, there are 90+/- ranches that comprise CNB processing 60-70,000 head of cattle annually and represent approximately 200,000 cows across roughly 6.5 million acres. The cooperative has a 6-member Board of Directors and is managed by a CEO and support staff; including finance & admin, production, marketing, sales & inventory, and membership.

Vision of CNB

To create premium marketing opportunities for a trusted group of ethical ranch families who are focused on preserving our natural resources and open spaces for the next generation of producer and consumer alike.

Mission of CNB

To provide a premium quality and process verified product to customers who value producers who do the right things for the right reasons for people, land, and livestock.

Core Values of CNB

Stewardship – We believe it is our responsibility and calling to care for the natural resources, animals, and people around us in a way the leaves those people and resources better than we found them.
Family-based agriculture – We believe that family-based agriculture is the foundation of strong rural communities, and we celebrate the critical role they play in providing a high quality, abundant and affordable food supply for customers around the globe and preserving the open spaces in which they operate.
Innovation – We are committed to progress and continuous improvement and proactively seek creative new methods to manage our ranches, serve our members & customers and achieve our shared goals.
Integrity – We do the right thing, for the right reasons.

Interested?

Tell us why you’re a good fit.