Grain Merchant

CGB Enterprises, Inc.•Waterloo, IN

4d•$64,172 - $77,328

About The Position

The Grain Merchant originates grain purchases from growers while promoting company products and services. The role determines customer requirements, executes contracts and agreements, and resolves customer-related issues. It works with origination staff and facility and commercial managers to grow and retain producer and commercial business, manage customer accounts and contracts, and support facility and regional commercial performance. The position includes up to 10% travel to assigned producers in assigned areas and is performed in a normal office environment with moderate noise and limited extremes of heat or cold.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
Three years of experience in trading, logistics, or a related field.
Knowledge of how the company generates revenue and creates profitability, and an advanced understanding of customers’ businesses and operations.
Knowledge of grain merchandising, facility cost structures, mix and blend analysis, carry, interest, freight, FOB and CIF marketing and sales, and basic facility operations.
Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, contract negotiations and the grain industry.
Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with people at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Strong decision-making, negotiation, and conflict-management skills.
Contract and customer management skills, including the ability to communicate accurate contract balances and settlements.
Strong time-management and prioritization skills, with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to take direction, assist where needed, and take on new tasks.
Ability to read and analyze domestic and global industry information.
Ability to work effectively both autonomously and in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in agricultural business.
Prior contract negotiation experience.
Prior grain industry experience.

Responsibilities

Originate grain purchases from growers and work with origination staff to maximize commercial and producer origination through team communication and execution.
Conduct annual farm or business visits for all major accounts.
Add new business accounts to manage and service.
Document new accounts and track their success.
Work with the manager and others to analyze three-year handle information for assigned producer and commercial accounts to evaluate customer market share and growth or retention.
Identify underperforming accounts and develop marketing strategies to address them.
Execute and manage contracts, including signing and carrying out terms, conditions, and delivery.
Review facility and regional profit and loss statements and discuss findings, ideas, and issues with the Facility Manager and Commercial Manager.
Receive inbound calls and assist other buying groups in servicing the facility’s customer base.
Gather, review, and contribute commodity market analysis and information in support of location or regional positions.
Enter customer information into the CRM product.
Perform other duties as assigned.