Grain and Feed Merchandiser

WFR•Waukon, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for buying and selling grain and other commodities, managing risk and inventory positions, writing and managing contracts, and selling feed products to customers. This position builds long-term producer, customer, and supplier relationships.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required.
Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured by WFR insurance
Ability to learn grain contracts, basis, futures, and the mechanics of buying and selling commodities
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to reach agreements that work for both the producer and the company
Background and/or interest in livestock and nutrition.
Credibility with farmers and livestock producers and a genuine interest in their operations
Customer service skills
Ability to direct and train others, give clear instructions, and build a schedule that covers harvest demand
Consistently professional and levelheaded, staying calm and composed under pressure and during difficult conversations
Sound judgment, comfort making decisions quickly in a moving market, and the ability to know when to decide and when to ask or escalate
Accurate and detail oriented with contracts, quantities, prices, discounts, and settlements
Ability to communicate clearly and follow through on commitments, both verbally and in writing
Proficient with computers and mobile devices
Self-motivated, reliable, and dependable, willing to learn and follow protocols, and available to work extended hours during peak seasons

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred, in agricultural business, agricultural economics, animal science, or a related field.
Experience in agriculture or sales is preferred.
Working knowledge of grain contracts, basis, and futures markets is preferred, or willingness to learn.
Working knowledge of livestock nutrition and feed products is preferred, or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

Learn and apply WFR core values, contribute to a positive culture, and represent the company well with every producer and customer.
Buy grain from farmers, including quoting bids, discussing delivery periods and terms, and negotiating purchases within approved position limits and pricing.
Write, confirm, and manage purchase and sale contracts, including cash, forward, and basis contracts.
Oversee risk position and maintain adequate hedges to minimize futures risk on all owned grain.
Manage public bid positions.
Effectively purchase feed ingredient commodities at the best price possible utilizing negotiation and thoroughly understanding market conditions.
Sell feed products to livestock producers and other customers, including understanding their operation and recommending products and delivery schedules that fit.
Proactively build and maintain relationships with farmers, livestock producers, feed customers, and commodity buyers/sellers through regular contact in person and by phone.
Study markets daily, including futures, basis, freight, and local conditions, to determine market opinion and communicate this information to customers.
Run the scale as needed, including weighing loads, grading and probing samples, and verifying that scale tickets are accurate and complete.
Manage the scale help, including assigning tasks, training on scale operation, ticketing, grading, and customer service, and overseeing their work during harvest.
Create and communicate the fall schedule including hours and staffing needed to handle harvest volume.
Coordinate logistics including scheduling delivery and pickup, trucking, storage space, and timing, so contracts are fulfilled as agreed.
Enter contracts, tickets, orders, and customer information accurately and on time, and resolve contract, quality, weight, discount, and settlement questions with producers and customers promptly and fairly.
Support collection of accounts by communicating terms, following up on past due balances as directed, and keeping the manager informed of credit concerns.
Assist with customer service at the front counter, including greeting walk-in customers, answering questions, taking orders and payments, and directing customers to the right person when needed.
Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and standard operating procedures, including grain buying and warehousing requirements, contract documentation, weights and measures, and trading rules.
Plan and communicate a weekly schedule to hit sales targets and objectives.
Value customer and partner relationships, attend industry and producer meetings, and complete personal growth opportunities as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality with respect to producer, customer, contract, pricing, and company information, and share it only with individuals who have a legitimate business need to know.
Perform other duties as assigned.