Grain Purchaser

BioPrincipia; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BioPrincipia in Columbus, GA is seeking a Grain Purchaser to source, negotiate, and procure corn and other feedstocks for ethanol production, while managing market risk and supplier relationships.

The role collaborates with farmers, elevators, and logistics teams to ensure reliable supply, accurate records, and competitive pricing, with opportunity for incentives based on performance. This position involves a mix of office and field work, including visits to farms and grain facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Procure corn and other feedstocks required for ethanol production at competitive prices.
• 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.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Market analysis

2-5 years grain merchandising

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure corn and other feedstocks required for ethanol production at competitive prices
• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or related field preferred
• 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

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in ethanol, biofuels, or grain handling operations
• 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
• Grain Purchasing Experience preferred; other commodities considered

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and field work, including visits to farms, elevators, and grain facilities
• May require extended hours during harvest or periods of market volatility
• Occasional travel within the regional procurement area

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and outdoor environments
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain at farms and grain facilities
• Competitive salary with potential performance-based incentives