Commodity Merchandising Trainee (2027)

The Andersons, Inc.; Maumee, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Andersons, Inc. in Maumee, OH offers the Commodity Merchandising Trainee (MIT) Program, a 12-month development track with two six-month rotations at North American trading locations, building hands-on experience in commodity marketing, market analysis, CRM, logistics, risk management, and commercial strategy.

Trainees work with experienced merchandisers, develop entrepreneurial mindset and decision-making, and upon completion transition into entry-level merchandising roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• 1-3 years’ relevant internship or work experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel and relocate.

Responsibilities

• Learn commodity merchandising terminology, tools, concepts, and systems.
• Build relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Develop a fundamental understanding of local, national, and global commodity markets, trading flows, and supply-demand dynamics.
• Analyze market, crop, and economic conditions to identify factors influencing prices and opportunities.
• Assist in managing customer relationships, contracts, logistics, and data analysis activities.
• Gain experience supporting procurement, marketing, and risk management strategies.
• Develop knowledge of Agribusiness operations, including merchandising, logistics, accounting, and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer solutions and business objectives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Entrepreneurial mindset

Willingness to travel

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

As a North American leader in agribusiness and renewable fuels, The Andersons operates in a unique space, bringing together agriculture, energy, and global markets. From the farm to customers around the world, we help move food, feed, and fuel where it’s needed most. Our business spans the full value chain, which means the work we do directly supports farmers, customers, and communities every day. Whether it’s helping producers succeed, delivering essential products, or advancing more sustainable energy solutions, our impact is both local and global. What truly sets us apart is how we work together. We are a performance-driven, people-powered organization where employees are owners, sharing in our success and helping shape our future. We invest in our team through development opportunities, meaningful career paths, and a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. At the core of everything we do is our Statement of Principles. We are committed to providing extraordinary service to our customers, helping our employees improve, supporting our communities, and increasing the value of the company for our shareholders.

Position Overview

The Commodity Merchandising Trainee (MIT) Program is a 12-month development program designed to provide the foundation for a successful career in commodity merchandising at The Andersons. Through two six-month rotations at North American trading locations, MITs gain hands‑on experience in commodity marketing, market analysis, customer relationship management, transportation and logistics, risk management, and commercial strategy. Working alongside experienced merchandisers, MITs develop the entrepreneurial mindset, commercial acumen, and decision‑making skills needed to identify opportunities, evaluate market conditions, manage risk, and create value for customers and The Andersons. Upon successful completion of the program, MITs will be equipped with the knowledge, experience, and industry perspective needed to transition into an entry‑level merchandising role within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn commodity merchandising terminology, tools, concepts, and systems while applying them in a commercial environment
• Build relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external customers
• Develop a fundamental understanding of local, national, and global commodity markets, trading flows, and supply and demand dynamics
• Analyze market, crop, and economic conditions to identify factors influencing commodity prices and commercial opportunities
• Assist in managing customer relationships, contracts, logistics, and data analysis activities
• Gain experience supporting commodity procurement, marketing, and risk management strategies
• Develop a working knowledge of Agribusiness operations, including merchandising, logistics, accounting, and commercial processes
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support customer solutions and business objectives
• Apply commercial and market insights to make recommendations and contribute to business decisions

What is Expected of You and Others at This Level

Performs routine, entry‑level assignments Knowledge and exposure to fundamental theories, principles and concepts gained through education and/or experience Develops competence by performing structured work assignments Uses existing procedures to solve routine or standard problems Receives instruction, guidance and direction

Competencies

• Collaborates - Builds partnerships and works cooperatively with others to achieve shared objectives
• Ensures Accountability - Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Being Resilient - Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Customer Focus - Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer centric solutions
• Values Differences - Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Instills Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• 1-3 years’ relevant internship, agricultural, customer-facing, leadership, or work experience preferred
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Self‑starter with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Comfortable evaluating opportunities, making decisions, and taking appropriate risks
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Willingness to travel and flexibility to relocate required

Employment with The Andersons, Inc. is at will, which means both you and the Company can end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law, nothing in this description should be viewed as a contract.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The Andersons, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and consider candidates without regard to any status protected by law, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We also prioritize a safe and healthy workplace. The Company maintains a drug‑free work environment and may require drug, alcohol, and/or medical testing depending on the role. To ensure a consistent hiring process, The Andersons, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies that do not have a formal agreement in place and is not responsible for any related fees. Finally, we want to help you stay informed and safe during your job search. Please note that The Andersons only uses company email addresses, which contain "@andersonsinc.com" or "@theandersons.com", to communicate with candidates via email. If you are contacted by someone about an open job at The Andersons, please verify the domain of the sender’s email address. If something seems unusual, we encourage you to verify communications and report any concerns through [e-mail] The Andersons, Inc., is a North American agriculture and renewable fuels company that conducts business in the agribusiness and renewables sectors. Guided by its Statement of Principles, The Andersons is committed to providing extraordinary service to its customers, helping its employees improve, supporting its communities, and increasing the value of the company. For more information, please visit www.andersonsinc.com