Merchandising Assistant

FURST-MCNESS COMPANY • Rockford, IL

8d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Merchandising Assistant supports Commodity Merchandisers with the day-to-day buying, selling, and movement of feed ingredients and bulk commodities. This role helps ensure contracts are accurate, shipments are coordinated, and communication stays clear between suppliers, customers, carriers, and internal teams. Accurate system documentation and attention to detail help maintain inventory visibility and support efficient operations.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of logistics, customer service, or commodity support experience.
• Associate degree in business, agriculture, supply chain, accounting, or a related field or equivalent relevant work experience in logistics, operations, or administrative support.
• Foundational proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), including data entry, basic formulas, and document management.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English within a professional business environment.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external partners.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in transactional and documentation-heavy work.
• Basic mathematical aptitude and comfort working with quantities, pricing, and reconciliations.
• Ability to learn ERP systems, commodity terminology, and internal merchandising processes.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in commodity merchandising support, agriculture, logistics coordination, transportation, or supply chain operations.
• Working knowledge of ERP platforms such as SAP, including contract entry, shipment processing, or reporting functions.
• Demonstrated alignment with company culture and values, including collaboration, accountability, and customer focus.
• Evidence of initiative, continuous learning, and commitment to improving processes or personal capability.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with frequent changes.
• Analytical mindset with interest in understanding commodity flow, margins, and operational efficiency.
• Professional communication skills across phone, email, and internal systems.

Responsibilities

• Contract Entry and Documentation Enter, verify, and maintain purchase and sales contracts within company ERP and contract management systems, ensuring pricing, quantities, delivery terms, and counterparties are accurate. Support contract lifecycle activities including amendments, confirmations, reconciliations, and closeouts. Maintain organized digital and physical documentation to support audit readiness and internal controls.
• Logistics Coordination and Shipment Tracking Assist merchandisers in scheduling commodity shipments and coordinating transportation with carriers, suppliers, and customers. Manage and update daily load schedules to reflect current shipment status, changes, and priorities. Monitor shipment progress, proactively communicate delays or discrepancies, and escalate issues that could impact delivery timing, customer service, or financial exposure. Confirm delivery details including locations, timing, and documentation requirements.
• Operational Data Accuracy and Position Support Receive, validate, and record shipment, contract, and inventory data with a high level of precision. Maintain position sheets and assist with daily commodity position reporting to support inventory visibility and risk awareness. Track commodity movements and assist in reconciliation of physical movements versus contracted quantities. Process scale tickets, BOL, freight invoices, and delivery documentation in accordance with internal procedures. Reconcile delivered quantities to contracted volumes and identify discrepancies for resolution.
• Reporting, Communication, and Cross-Functional Support Assist with month-end reporting, contract settlements, and administrative closeout activities. Provide regular shipment and contract status updates to merchandisers and internal stakeholders such as operations, accounting, and customer service. Serve as a responsive point of contact for internal teams, vendors, customers, and transportation partners. Support continuous improvement of merchandising processes, documentation accuracy, and workflow efficiency.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: PPO or HDHP medical plans, plus HSA/FSA options and 100% covered preventative care.
• Dental, Vision, & RX: Low bi-weekly premiums for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) with Match
• Paid Time off: Vacation, holidays, floating holidays, bereavement leave, jury duty, and FMLA.
• Wellness & Protection: EAP, disability coverage, life & AD&D insurance, and wellness incentives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree