Grain Trader / Merchandiser (Wheat / Corn / Soybean)

VR-People Sàrl; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VR-People Sàrl in Chicago seeks an experienced trader with a strong U.S. origination and domestic logistics network to source SBM, DDGS, and grains, manage inland movements, and drive export sales into Latin America.

You will execute end-to-end physical trading, negotiate contracts, oversee Incoterms and freight, and own P&L for the region, leveraging relationships with U.S. crushers, mills, and Latin American buyers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in grain merchandising or export sales.
• Active sourcing relationships with U.S. soybean crushers.
• Strong network with Latin American feed buyers.
• Knowledge of U.S. rail, barge, and port operations.

Responsibilities

• Procure SBM and DDGS via established U.S. crushers and processors.
• Direct and optimize inland railcar, truck, and barge movements.
• Negotiate elevation, throughput, and storage at export ports (US Gulf, PNW).
• Grow export volumes to Latin America with feed mills and distributors.
• Oversee international contract execution, Incoterms, and freight booking.

Skills

Sourcing relationships

Sales network LATAM

Rail & barge logistics

Port terminal ops

Trade finance & Incoterms

End-to-end trading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness/International Trade/Economics/Supply Chain/Logistics

Job description

The ideal candidate will possess a strong, active commercial network across both the U.S

processing and logistics industry and Latin American feed ingredient markets. This role is

responsible for originating Soybean Meal (SBM), DDGS, and grains within the United States,

managing domestic inland logistics, and expanding export sales throughout Latin America.

The candidate must be capable of executing end-to-end physical trading, from sourcing

and freight management to international sales and P&L ownership.

Key Responsibilities

1. U.S Origination & Domestic Logistics

• a. Domestic Sourcing: Procure SBM and DDGS by leveraging established relationships with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol production plants.
• b. Inland Freight Management: Direct and optimize railcar, truck, and barge movements from processing plants to port terminals.
• c. Port Terminal Operations: Negotiate and manage elevation, throughput, and storage agreements at major U.S export ports (US Gulf, PNW).

and domestic basis trends to support optimal buying strategies

• a. Export Sales Expansion: Grow export volumes of SBM, DDGS, and grains by selling to feed mills, integrators, and distributors across Latin America.
• b. Relationship Management: Maintain and strengthen relationships with key buyers, purchasing managers, and major buying groups in target countries (e.g., and import regulations to identify profitable trade flows.

3. Trade Execution & P&L Management

• a. Contract Execution: Oversee international contract negotiation (Incoterms), L&C compliance, and ocean freight booking. exposure, and overall trading book profitability for the region.

Qualification

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, International Trade, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field
• Experience: 5+ years in grain/co-product merchandising, U.S domestic origination, or feed ingredient export sales – preferably with experience in
• Active sourcing relationship with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol producers
• Strong sales network with feed mills, importers, and agricultural buyers in Latin America
• Deep understanding of U.S rail freight tariff, barge logistics, and port elevator operations
• Strong knowledge of international trade finance, ocean freight, and import/phytosanitary protocols

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with multinational trading houses, exporters, or global