DFA Risk Management Specialist (Execution)

Dairy Farmers of America•Kansas City, KS

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Dairy Farmers of America, you approach work each day knowing that you are making a difference by helping dairy farm families. As a DFA Risk Management team member, your goal will be to help dairy farmers, processors and customers understand and utilize risk management tools to achieve financial stability. By helping manage price risk, you’re creating opportunities for dairy farmers across the U.S. to achieve their families’ goals. You will build meaningful relationships within our team and across DFA, gain experience and knowledge in a rapidly-growing industry, and take on significant responsibilities from day one in a supportive, collaborative environment. As the largest global dairy cooperative, DFA impacts people at every point of the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. The breadth and scope of DFA’s operations are significant, and the opportunities for growth and development within DFA are substantial. DFA utilizes a flexible work environment offering a blended remote and in-office schedule. We are focused on maintaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, operate and serve. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, more creative innovation, more effective problem solving, and strong customer and consumer relationships. To achieve these goals, we are committed to fostering and strengthening a culture of openness, inclusion, constant introspection and continued growth.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college, preferably in business or agriculture, or relevant work experience
Strong communication style and ability to synthesize complicated themes into simplified explanations
Ability to effectively analyze data and insights, and summarize information
A collaborative mindset with an ability to begin to lead team projects
Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word & others such as programs and databases
Detail-oriented
Accountable for own contributions
A desire to learn and willingness to accept coaching, while demonstrating critical thinking
Ability to adapt to changing business priorities
Acts ethically in all matters, without exception, and adheres to the Value Integrity Code of Conduct
Willingness to work flexible hours, as needed
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge or experience in risk management, agricultural commodity trading in the dairy industry preferred
Position location in Kansas City headquarters’ hybrid remote and in-office environment

Responsibilities

Develop expertise in milk pricing economics and commodity price hedging practices
Develop conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, programs and procedures within DFA Risk Management
Maintain an understanding of market and business conditions and be able to draw conclusions from multiple streams of data
Work collaboratively with others on the DFA Risk Management team to help all of our stakeholders understand and utilize risk management tools to achieve financial stability.
Attend DFA and industry meetings, and present at times to small groups of farmer-owners or DFA staff
Perform daily processes to maintain our accounts and databases.
Gain a broad-based understanding of DFA’s manufacturing network and customer requirements. Learn, understand, and communicate high level market factors impacting both DFA’s manufacturing network and customers
Participate in data analysis and projects to support DFA’s business units and customers
Support the development of reporting processes and assume responsibility for the preparation and timely distribution of reports.
Become familiar with supply and demand fundamentals inside the dairy industry
Support the team in preparing documentation, contract entry, and other business functions
Develop analytical skills needed to provide insight and problem-solving skills for DFA’s business units
Assist with Commercial and Internal business priorities as needed.
Work with team members to become proficient in the execution and offset of DFA’s forward contracting program
Receive and execute forward contract and swap orders from customers, internal business units, and the farmer owner team
Develop and maintain strong relationships with swap partners and brokers
Assist in contract entry and internal documents required by DFA Risk Management
Contribute to continual improvement of DFA Risk Management execution processes, programs, and services
Develop an appreciation and show active interest in developing an understanding of Dairy Farmers of America, including DFA’s business, programs and services and philosophy, as well as those of the dairy industry
Continue self-education of commodity risk management markets, tools and programs, and regulatory requirements