Assistant Commercial Manager

Louis Dreyfus Company • Upper Sandusky, OH

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as the assistant commercial lead for a new soybean processing plant in Ohio. The role is crucial for building and maintaining strong relationships with local farmers, feed buyers, and logistics providers, including trucking companies and railroads. The individual will foster a professional and collaborative environment between the commercial and industrial management teams at the facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Eight or more years of experience in the grain business in a merchandising capacity
• Understanding of inventory and quality management
• Experience with rail logistics
• Working knowledge of futures markets, hedging and arbitrage
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong quantitative skills, including basic knowledge of statistics, algebra (e.g., supply and demand relationships, analysis of price relationships)
• Ability to organize multiple responsibilities, prioritize workload and perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Excel and MS Word)
• Must have valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Experience with processing

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the grains & oilseeds origination strategy from the local farm & commercial supply base.
• Collaborate with the broader team to map out and execute carry strategy to maximize storage value.
• Develop and foster commercial relationships with suppliers & customers to expand market opportunities.
• Coordinate with soybean meal and hull marketers to buy grain in areas that maximize backhaul opportunities.
• Communicate commercial priorities on commodity receiving and load out with the operations group.
• Maintain daily communication, organize logistical services, and assist with accounting issues with suppliers.
• Communicate regularly with the US soybean team regarding origination strategy and pricing targets.
• Develop and maintain local supply/demand balance sheets for soybean procurement efforts.
• Distribute daily/weekly market wires to the regional group, summarizing relevant trade highlights.
• Actively participate in market calls, internal market chats, and balance sheet discussions.
• Ensure timely entry of trades into the position management system and validate daily positions.
• Lead the local commercial origination team and drive their professional development.
• Assist in business analysis for internal and external implementation.
• Stay informed about all CBOT, NOPA, etc., oilseed complex trade rule developments.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions.
• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, and development of a strong and talented local team.
• Provide regular performance feedback to direct reports, ensuring individuals are rewarded for performance.
• Enhance LDC’s brand awareness in the local area through community engagement and outreach.
• Serve as a lead on KPIs, daily production reports, and other internally produced industrial reports.
• Stay abreast of all company, federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to grain handling to ensure compliance.
• Actively support the Company’s Safety, Health, and Environmental systems and objectives.
• Help manage receivables and facilitate innovative methods to keep accounts receivables in check.
• Identify, qualify, and capture new business; develop and contribute to the customer/supplier list.
• Work closely with the soybean receiving office, learn Compuweigh and probing/grading operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage
• Flexible spending account plans
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level