Ranch General Manager

Hansen Agri-PLACEMENT is seeking an experienced Ranch General Manager for a privately owned Montana ranch. This is an opportunity for an experienced ranch professional who combines strong cattle and range management skills with proven leadership, organization, and business ability.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on ranch manager who understands livestock production, grazing management, employee leadership, budgeting, property maintenance, and communication with ownership. Experience with progressive or regenerative grazing systems is highly desirable.

THE POSITION

The General Manager will oversee the day-to-day operation of the ranch while providing the leadership and organization necessary to keep livestock, employees, equipment, facilities, and projects moving in the right direction.

This is a hands-on management position , not an office-only role. The successful candidate will be comfortable working alongside employees when needed, while also providing direction, establishing priorities, planning ahead, and holding the operation accountable to established standards.

The General Manager will work closely with ownership and will be expected to maintain a high level of communication, organization, and consistency whether ownership is on the ranch or away.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and coordinate daily ranch operations

Oversee commercial cow/calf production and livestock management

Manage herd health, nutrition, breeding, calving, weaning, cattle movement, and marketing

Develop and oversee grazing, forage, and range management programs

Support the continued development of progressive and regenerative grazing practices

Coordinate hay, winter feeding, and livestock movement programs

Supervise, train, organize, and provide leadership to ranch employees

Establish seasonal priorities, work plans, and employee assignments

Assist with annual planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, and expense control

Maintain accurate ranch, livestock, and financial records

Oversee equipment, facilities, fencing, water systems, roads, and other ranch infrastructure

Coordinate maintenance, repairs, improvement projects, and outside contractors

Maintain high standards for livestock care, safety, property condition, and operational preparedness

Work effectively with veterinarians, consultants, vendors, and other agricultural professionals

Help evaluate new technology, production practices, and opportunities for improving the ranch

Provide oversight of ranch hospitality staff and ensure the property and staff are properly prepared when guests are present, and on the ranch

Keep ownership informed regarding operations, upcoming needs, concerns, projects, and recommendations

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should have 5 or more years of progressive ranch management or comparable leadership experience with a strong working knowledge of commercial cattle production.

Successful candidates should bring:

Strong cow/calf production and range management experience

Knowledge of herd health, nutrition, breeding, calving, and grazing

Strong livestock handling and low stress stockmanship skills

Experience with rotational, adaptive, or regenerative grazing is highly desirable

Proven ability to supervise, develop, and lead employees

Strong organizational and planning skills

Budgeting and basic financial management experience

Practical understanding of ranch equipment, facilities, and infrastructure

Experience and comfort around ranch horses

Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Ability to anticipate needs, recognize problems early, and take initiative

Ability to work independently and make sound management decisions

Professionalism and discretion when working with ownership and outside professionals

High standards for animal care, property maintenance, and operational safety

Integrity, accountability, maturity, and a team-oriented attitude

The ideal candidate will be open-minded, proactive, and willing to think beyond traditional ranching practices while maintaining sound fundamentals of livestock and land management.

An agriculture-related degree is preferred but not required when supported by strong practical ranch experience and demonstrated management ability.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ranch professional who wants to take significant responsibility for a quality Montana operation while remaining actively involved in livestock, land, people, and the day-to-day management of the ranch.