Job Description The Grain Purchaser is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring grain (primarily corn) to support continuous ethanol plant operations. This role works closely with local producers, elevators, and suppliers to ensure a reliable, cost-effective grain supply while managing market risk and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Develop and maintain relationships with local farmers, grain elevators, and suppliers Negotiate purchase contracts, including spot and forward agreements Monitor grain markets, basis levels, and supply/demand trends to inform purchasing decisions Coordinate grain deliveries with logistics, scale house, and plant operations to ensure consistent supply Manage grain inventory levels and track inbound shipments Ensure grain quality meets plant specifications; coordinate testing and resolve quality issues Maintain accurate records of contracts, deliveries, and pricing Collaborate with accounting on invoice verification and settlements Support hedging strategies in coordination with management to mitigate market risk Stay informed on industry trends, weather impacts, and agricultural developments affecting supply Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements 2–5 years of experience in grain merchandising, procurement, or commodity trading preferred Knowledge of grain markets, futures, and basis trading Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills Ability to analyze market data and make informed purchasing decisions Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with grain accounting or ERP systems Strong organizational and time-management skills Familiarity with risk management and hedging tools (e.g., futures and options) Understanding of logistics, trucking, and rail coordination Strong communication skills for working with producers and internal teams May require extended hours during harvest or periods of market volatility Occasional travel within the regional procurement area Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs Ability to navigate uneven terrain at farms and grain facilities Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and holidays Show more Numbers & Facts Location Sauget, IL Job Type Full-time
Skills
Accountingunmatched
Agricultureunmatched
Biofuelsunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Contract Negotiationunmatched
Contract Requirementsunmatched
Corporate Policiesunmatched
Data Analysisunmatched
Dental Insuranceunmatched
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)unmatched
Economicsunmatched
Futuresunmatched
Hedge Fundsunmatched
Industry/Trade Analysisunmatched
Inventory Levelsunmatched
Inventory Managementunmatched
Lift/Move 25 Poundsunmatched
Logisticsunmatched
Maintain Complianceunmatched
Management Strategyunmatched
Market Analysisunmatched
Market Trackingunmatched
Merchandisingunmatched
Microsoft Excelunmatched
Negotiation Skillsunmatched
Organizational Skillsunmatched
Pricingunmatched
Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
Purchasing/Procurementunmatched
Record Keepingunmatched
Regulatory Requirementsunmatched
Risk Managementunmatched
Time Managementunmatched
Trading/Stockbrokingunmatched
Truckingunmatched
Vendor/Supplier Relationsunmatched
Vision Planunmatched
Willing to Travelunmatched
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