Commodities Merchandiser

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage supply base, including sourcing, selecting, and negotiating optimal cost structures, terms, and services
• Monitor market conditions and supplier performance; proactively address pricing, delivery, and risk-related issues
• Ensure proper inventory levels and compliance with product specifications and quality standards
• Execute purchasing activities, including hedging orders, futures balancing, and risk compliance
• Identify and implement cost savings and cost mitigation opportunities through spend analysis and commodity review
• Build, develop, and continuously improve a reliable, high-quality supplier base through audits, improvement events, and quality initiatives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, feed formulators, and plant managers to optimize cost and delivery outcomes
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, track performance metrics, manage supplier claims, and support reporting on commodities and positions

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 2 or more years of commodity experience
• Positive attitude and ability to work with sense of urgency in a fast paced, autonomous environment
• Must be a team player, and understand impact of others on complex business needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to think and act independently
• Excellent decision making, people management, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)

TRAVEL EXPECTED:

• 10% - As needed