DFA Risk Management Specialist (Execution)

At Dairy Farmers of America, you approach work each day knowing that you are making a difference by helping dairy farm families. As a DFA Risk Management team member, your goal will be to help dairy farmers, processors and customers understand and utilize risk management tools to achieve financial stability. By helping manage price risk, you’re creating opportunities for dairy farmers across the U.S. to achieve their families’ goals.

You will build meaningful relationships within our team and across DFA, gain experience and knowledge in a rapidly-growing industry, and take on significant responsibilities from day one in a supportive, collaborative environment. As the largest global dairy cooperative, DFA impacts people at every point of the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. The breadth and scope of DFA’s operations are significant, and the opportunities for growth and development within DFA are substantial.

DFA utilizes a flexible work environment offering a blended remote and in-office schedule. We are focused on maintaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, operate and serve. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, more creative innovation, more effective problem solving, and strong customer and consumer relationships. To achieve these goals, we are committed to fostering and strengthening a culture of openness, inclusion, constant introspection and continued growth.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in milk pricing economics and commodity price hedging practices
• Develop conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, programs and procedures within DFA Risk Management
• Maintain an understanding of market and business conditions and be able to draw conclusions from multiple streams of data
• Work collaboratively with others on the DFA Risk Management team to help all of our stakeholders understand and utilize risk management tools to achieve financial stability.
• Attend DFA and industry meetings, and present at times to small groups of farmer-owners or DFA staff
• Perform daily processes to maintain our accounts and databases.
• Gain a broad-based understanding of DFA’s manufacturing network and customer requirements. Learn, understand, and communicate high level market factors impacting both DFA’s manufacturing network and customers
• Participate in data analysis and projects to support DFA’s business units and customers
• Support the development of reporting processes and assume responsibility for the preparation and timely distribution of reports.
• Become familiar with supply and demand fundamentals inside the dairy industry
• Support the team in preparing documentation, contract entry, and other business functions
• Develop analytical skills needed to provide insight and problem-solving skills for DFA’s business units
• Assist with Commercial and Internal business priorities as needed.
• Work with team members to become proficient in the execution and offset of DFA’s forward contracting program
• Receive and execute forward contract and swap orders from customers, internal business units, and the farmer owner team
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with swap partners and brokers
• Assist in contract entry and internal documents required by DFA Risk Management
• Contribute to continual improvement of DFA Risk Management execution processes, programs, and services
• Develop an appreciation and show active interest in developing an understanding of Dairy Farmers of America, including DFA’s business, programs and services and philosophy, as well as those of the dairy industry
• Continue self-education of commodity risk management markets, tools and programs, and regulatory requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.
  
  

Travel

up to 25%

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Education And Experience

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college, preferably in business or agriculture, or relevant work experience
• Prior knowledge or experience in risk management, agricultural commodity trading in the dairy industry preferred
• Position location in Kansas City headquarters’ hybrid remote and in-office environment
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong communication style and ability to synthesize complicated themes into simplified explanations
• Ability to effectively analyze data and insights, and summarize information
• A collaborative mindset with an ability to begin to lead team projects
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word & others such as programs and databases
• Detail-oriented
• Accountable for own contributions
• A desire to learn and willingness to accept coaching, while demonstrating critical thinking
• Ability to adapt to changing business priorities
• Acts ethically in all matters, without exception, and adheres to the Value Integrity Code of Conduct
• Willingness to work flexible hours, as needed
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
  
  

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans