Grain Trader / Merchandiser (Wheat / Corn / Soybean)

VR-People Sàrl; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

VR-People Sàrl seeks a trader with a strong U.S. origination network to manage SBM, DDGS, and grains. You will coordinate domestic logistics, negotiate with port terminals, and drive export sales into Latin America while owning P&L for the region.

Applicants should have 5+ years in grain merchandising, deep freight knowledge, and a track record with soybean crushers or ethanol producers. This is a senior, full-time role based in the U.S. market.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Originate SBM, DDGS, and grains in the U.S. and expand export sales to Latin America.
• Manage domestic inland logistics including railcar, truck, and barge movements.
• Oversee contract execution, Incoterms, LC compliance, and ocean freight bookings.
• Develop profitable trade flows and improve P&L exposure for the region.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, International Trade, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field

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).
• 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.

and domestic basis trends to support optimal buying strategies

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