Corn Merchandiser

CONFIDENTIAL COMPANY SUMMARY

Ethanol manufacturer of industrial and fuel grade ethanol and co-products is seeking Merchandiser to procure and market grain and co-products in the Western/Southwestern region of the US.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible and accountable for procurement of feed grains and the marketing of co-products to achieve optimum financial results. The position is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with accounts, including the handling of logistics, accounting, and other customer related issues. The position will manage and execute marketing strategies for physical commodities related to the production of ethanol products, implement and maintain financial hedges, while also working with leadership to build and strengthen customer relationships. This position will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and monitor industry trends and consumer behavior to anticipate demand and changes in buying patterns.
• Make predictions based on sales data, customer feedback and market trends.
• Prepare and provide Open Contract book for corn, DDG, and corn oil on a daily basis.
• Review competitors pricing, profit, marketing, and other progress metrics to evaluate opportunities for improvement of internal processes and methods.
• Analyze P&L and other divisional month end reports, including estimates and reconciliation.
• Provide market support and guidance to internal and external customers, location managers, and other key personnel.
• Determine freight spreads, railcar costs and fuel surcharges; incorporate these variables into price discovery processes.
• Manage futures and basis risk in accordance to company risk policy.
• Analyze, execute, and follow-up on pricing and/or supply strategies to end users.
• Develop and maintain direct commercial market customer relationships, knowledge, and insights for purpose of driving strong margins.
• Maintain reports detailing customer volumes and marketing trends; share with the team and use them to originate corn purchases.
• Work effectively as a member of a team and provide excellent service to develop and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Work with plant personnel to maintain inventories.
• Deal, negotiate, and resolve customer claims.
• Manage and keep current customer database; expand customer base where appropriate.
• Research and prepare analysis to respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely, professional, and thorough manner.
• Aid in the coordination and teamwork throughout the ethanol plants.
• Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business-related matters.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Participate in a variety of special projects and other duties as assigned.

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REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business, or related field of study preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in commodity merchandising and thorough knowledge of hedging grain with futures & basis relationships, preferably in shuttle markets.
• Experience in the Western/Southwestern US region strongly preferred.
• Equivalent or related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of supply chain logistics, merchandising trends and industry best practices, trends, and issues and al analyze data and draw relevant conclusions.
• Exceptional communication and proven negotiation skills required.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with a proven track record of achieving excellent results with merchandising strategies and promotional activity.
• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to managers, staff, and suppliers.
• Strong proficiency with excel spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software applications within a windows-based operating environment particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Required to work to meet customer demands, which may include irregular business hours.

BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, STD/LTD)
• 401(k) with company match
• Friendly Work Environment
• Paid-Time Off/Holidays

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

The Company is not currently accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee, via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers in any form without a valid written agreement in place for that specific position will be deemed the sole property of the Company. As a result, no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by the Company.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person