Grain Originator - Topflight Grain Cooperative - Lincoln, IL

FS System; Lincoln (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Health and wellness coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Top Flight Grain Co-Operative in Lincoln, IL is seeking a Grain Originator / Branch Manager to enhance customer service and facilitate grain merchandising.

The successful candidate will maintain relationships with local producers while overseeing efficient grain handling operations. This key role requires agriculture-related education or experience, with a focus on customer service and attention to detail.

Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits are offered, reflecting the importance of this position in our agricultural community.

Qualifications

• Enjoy working directly with producers and customers.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Valid Class D driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Provide excellent customer service and timely communication.
• Assist customers with grain contracts and available marketing options.
• Prepare grain settlements and customer payments.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Customer service

Knowledge of grain industry

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Agriculture-related education or experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grain accounting systems (e.g., Agris, OneWeigh)

Job description

Company: Top Flight Grain Co-Operative

City: Lincoln, IL

Grain Originator / Branch Manager

Salary Range: $55,000-$75,000

About the Role

Topflight Grain is seeking motivated, relationship-focused individuals to join our team as a Grain Originator / Branch Manager. This role combines customer service, grain merchandising support, grain accounting, and daily facility operations to help serve our producers and local communities.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building long‑term relationships with farmers, working in agriculture, and being part of a fast‑paced team environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting customer grain marketing needs while ensuring efficient and accurate grain handling and settlement operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective customers
• Provide excellent customer service and timely communication to patrons
• Maintain current grain market knowledge and communicate market information to customers
• Assist customers with grain contracts and available marketing options
• Purchase grain from patrons and maintain accurate contract documentation
• Prepare grain settlements and customer payments
• Operate grain scales and grain accounting systems
• Accurately process inbound and outbound grain tickets
• Test grain for moisture, test weight, foreign material, and damage
• Coordinate grain logistics and trucking activities with operations personnel
• Communicate daily with Elevator Superintendents and Operations Management regarding grain movement plans
• Monitor delayed price contracts and contract signature status
• Assist in resolving customer concerns professionally and promptly
• Supervise and assist seasonal harvest employees
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment for employees, customers, and vendors

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who:

• Enjoy working directly with producers and customers
• Take pride in accuracy and attention to detail
• Communicate professionally and respectfully
• Thrive in a team‑oriented agricultural environment
• Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and strong work ethic

Qualifications

• Agriculture‑related education or experience preferred
• Knowledge of the grain industry and grain handling practices preferred
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Basic computer proficiency required, including Microsoft Office
• Experience with grain accounting or scale systems such as Agris or OneWeigh preferred
• Valid Class D driver’s license required
• Primarily office‑based with regular interaction in grain handling environments
• Exposure to grain dust and seasonal harvest noise
• Monday–Friday schedule with extended hours, weekends, holidays, and overtime during harvest seasons as needed

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and handling/fingering activities
• Occasional climbing, bending, kneeling, and driving

Equal Opportunity Employer

Topflight Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is considered at‑will. We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well‑being of our employees. Benefits may include retirement, health and wellness, paid time off, supplemental or incidental coverage, and more.

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.