Trading Manager - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland•Decatur, IL

About The Position

Trading Manager - Decatur, IL Position Overview Reporting to Regional Management, the Trade Manager is an intermediate-level role within the Eastern Grain team. This position is responsible for merchandising corn, soybeans, and wheat across rail and truck facilities. The Trade Manager works collaboratively within the Ag Services and Oilseeds group and partners daily with other divisions. This role supports the development and execution of purchase and sales strategies, position management (spreads, basis, flat price), customer relationship management, logistics, accounting, and related customer issues. The position requires strong strategic thinking, market knowledge, trading acumen, and the ability to contribute to employee development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or business (e.g., economics, finance, accounting)
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in commodity merchandising (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Strong ability to operate in a high-risk, fast-paced environment
Proven risk assessment and sound decision-making capabilities
Demonstrated negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of domestic and international trade
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
Proficiency with Windows-based applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software
Analytical Thinking
Business Savvy
Results-Oriented
Proactive and Information-Seeking
Conceptual Thinking
Organizational Awareness

Responsibilities

Assist in the development and execution of grain purchase and sales strategies
Manage trading positions, including spreads, basis, and flat price exposure
Build and maintain strong internal and external customer relationships
Conduct price discovery and maintain bids/offers to support risk management
Analyze margins and understand their impact on commodity pricing
Prepare, analyze, and present basic profit and loss statements and divisional reports
Manage accounting-related issues in a timely manner to ensure high-quality customer service
Ensure cost-efficient transportation and logistics solutions
Develop working knowledge of freight spreads and competitor activity
Make timely decisions in fast-moving markets and defend them with sound logic
Monitor and analyze local, national, and global market trends
Identify and pursue new business opportunities that enhance company assets profitably
Understand customer requirements to collaborate effectively and add mutual value
Prepare and present reports to management detailing customer issues and opportunities
Develop a strong understanding of local plant operations
Maintain positive, cooperative working relationships across divisions
Effectively utilize communication channels to ensure coordination across offices and locations
Represent the company positively in all customer and colleague interactions
Align individual goals with company objectives and commit to continuous personal development
Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends