JOB SUMMARY

POET Grain is a leader in the grain markets, buying nearly a billion bushels of grain annually from over 40,000 local farmers. When we show up to work at POET Grain, it’s our job to meet our customer’s needs as efficiently as possible while buying grain at the best possible value for POET.

As a Grain Merchandiser, you will have the chance to work directly with some of America’s best farmers, commercial grain companies and look for other grain merchandising opportunities in our draw areas.

Grain Merchandisers are responsible for the development and retention of customer relationships, formulating solutions to meet our customers’ needs, which may involve customized marketing plans and on-farm visits. Team members in this position will understand grain weighing and grading procedures and policies in addition to CBOT futures markets, fundamental and technical market factors, basis levels, market structure, carrying costs, and freight spreads. Grain merchandisers also monitor the competitiveness of cash grain bids and related factors that affect the net selling price for the customer and are accountable for keeping leadership aware of grain movements and other local news that may impact local buying efforts. Additionally, the ability to explain, educating and intelligently communicate this information to the customer is essential to this position.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Procure grain supplies through the purchase of grain from producers and commercial accounts.
• Seek out new potential customers for POET via phone, traveling to farms, and holding various types of meetings in a variety of venues.
• Manage and keep current customer database.
• Analyze local supply/demand, competition, crop and market conditions (including carry/inverted markets) to buy grain at optimum price levels.
• Monitor competitiveness of cash bids within the local trade area.
• Maintain familiarity with fundamental and technical market factors in order to speak intelligently about market outlook and share with the grain team and customers.
• Maintain reports detailing customer volumes and marketing trends.
• Gather market intelligence on competitor activities and share with grain team.
• Develop arbitrage/merchandising opportunities for grain.
• Initiate contractual agreements for grain and ensure the accuracy of contracts.
• Hedge all grain purchases in coordination with POET Grain policies.
• Maintain all grain records in an “audit ready” status.
• Update grain bids on web pages, apps and after-hours phone lines daily.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• You have a Bachelor’s Degree in ag business, marketing, animal science or related field or have 3-5 years of grain merchandising/origination/advisory experience
• BONUS POINTS: a demonstrated background of success.

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• A background in grain marketing and/or production agriculture.
• Have thorough knowledge of grain contracts and marketing alternatives and be able to explain these to customers.
• Commitment to work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business-related matters.
• Enjoy working with people and finding solutions to their needs.
• Knowledge of fundamental and technical market drivers pertaining to grain.
• Understand options strategies in conjunction with cash grain sales.
• Solid and persuasive business communication and interpersonal skills.
• A background in sales and or customer relations. Ability to seek out and build strong customer relationships as well as the proven ability to grow and manage a sales territory.
• Maintain a very high level of customer service along with a positive, friendly attitude.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good business judgment.
• Familiar with the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and capable of learning new programs.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Communicate effectively in writing and in person.
• Ability to understand technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• The ability to travel up to 50% as requested including the ability to travel to customer and client sites. Some overnight travel will be
• We also expect that everyone will maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, happiness and productivity over the long
• This position operates primarily in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.

Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including: 

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.