JOB SUMMARY

POET Grain is a leader in the grain markets, buying nearly 1 billion bushels of grain each year.

The Commodity Manager is responsible for procuring grain products and managing the grain position of the location.  Team members must ensure a sufficient supply of grain is on hand at all times.  The Commodity Manager must have an understanding of local supply/demand, basis history, competitive factors, and maintaining company ownership at a purchase basis that provides value to the company.  The Commodity Manager works closely with the Regional Marketing Manager (RMM) to set the merchandising strategy and provides leadership to the Grain Merchandiser and Scale Technician(s) at the location.  Commodity Managers must work with the location General Manager to ensure purchased grains meet optimum quality and value characteristics for producing the facility’s products. 

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Effectively manage the team by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include delegating, coaching, managing performance, and career development to execute departmental strategies and support company objectives effectively.
• Ensure POET has the correct resources within the local grain team.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Ensure the grain team focuses on assigned objectives for POET Grain and the bioprocessing facility.
• Maintain a team environment with all other departments within the facility and external POET offices at all times.
• Develop and execute seasonal grain merchandising plans for the location.
• Continuously look for arbitrage/merchandising opportunities for grain.
• Manage the procuring of grain supplies for the bioprocessing facility.
• Set location grain bids consistent with POET Grain and location strategy.
• Purchase grain from producers and commercial accounts.
• Develop long-term relationships with POET’s grain customers by maintaining a very high level of customer service and a positive, friendly atmosphere.
• Oversee the contractual agreements for grain and work through customer complaints.
• Set local grain policies and manage inbound grading, discounts, and transaction processing.
• Monitor and manage grain storage, grain quality, and blending.
• Have thorough knowledge of grain contracts and marketing alternatives.
• Follow all POET Grain risk management policies and procedures.
• Assure timely and accurate transaction processing and provide, as required, reports to Poet Grain, the location GM, and the Board of Directors.
• Work honestly and ethically; maintain confidentiality on all business-related matters.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to many other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• A bachelor’s Degree in marketing, business, animal science, agriculture, or a related field and demonstrated multi-year successful commercial work experience are required.

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Five (5) plus years of grain merchandising/origination experience or other agriculture sales experience preferred with a demonstrated background of success.
• Experience in logistical management and bin management.
• In-depth experience in all aspects of Customer Relationship Management.
• Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
• Solid and persuasive business communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound business judgment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability and willingness to learn new software applications.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.

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.
• Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to travel to customer and client sites. At times, overnight travel may be required.
• This position operates in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.
• This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
  • Occasionally lifting weights of fifty (50) pounds or less.
• We also expect everyone to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, happiness, and productivity over the long term.

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.