COMMODITIES MERCHANDISER

Kent Corporation; Muscatine (IA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT WORLDWIDE is seeking a Commodities Merchandiser to manage commodity origination and feed ingredient logistics, while gaining exposure to risk management. You will build supplier relationships and deliver cost-effective solutions to support operations and customers, contributing to the company’s growth and continued momentum.

This role requires working across sourcing, negotiations, and cross-functional initiatives with a strong sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities; able to think and act independently.
• Excellent decision making, people management, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Manage supply base, including sourcing, selecting, and negotiating optimal cost structures, terms, and services
• Monitor market conditions and supplier performance; address pricing, delivery, and risk 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 cost savings and mitigation opportunities through spend analysis and commodity review
• Build and maintain a high-quality supplier base through audits and quality initiatives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, feed formulators, and plant managers to optimize cost and delivery
• Maintain purchasing data, track performance metrics, manage supplier claims, and support reporting on commodities and positions

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Negotiation

Team player

Sense of urgency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business / Supply Chain / related field

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

At KENT WORLDWIDE™, you’re not just taking a job - you’re building something that lasts. As a family-owned company with nearly a century of momentum, we’re focused on supporting a growing world through innovation in food, agriculture, and beyond. Our people drive that impact - bringing curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to doing meaningful work every day.

As a Commodities Merchandiser, you’ll play a key role in managing commodity origination and feed ingredient logistics while gaining exposure to risk management within our commodities team. You’ll build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers and internal partners, helping deliver cost-effective solutions that support our operations and customers. Ready to grow your career and help shape what’s next at KENT WORLDWIDE?

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.