Grain Trader / Merchandiser

POSCO America Corporation; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with employer match

Generous PTO

Gym reimbursement

Lunch/Cellphone Stipend

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, etc

Job summary

POSCO International America Corp. (PIAC) is seeking a senior commercial origination specialist based in Schaumburg, IL. The role focuses on originating SBM, DDGS, and grains, managing domestic logistics, and expanding export sales across Latin America.

You will execute end-to-end physical trading, sourcing, freight management, and P&L ownership. The ideal candidate has a strong U.S. network in processing and logistics, plus experience with Latin American markets and international trade finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, International Trade, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field
• 5+ years in grain/co-product merchandising, U.S domestic origination, or feed ingredient export sales – preferably with experience in Latin American markets
• 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

Responsibilities

• U.S Origination & Domestic Logistics
• Domestic Sourcing: Procure SBM and DDGS by leveraging established relationships with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol production plants
• Inland Freight Management: Direct and optimize railcar, truck, and barge movements from processing plants to port terminals
• Port Terminal Operations: Negotiate and manage elevation, throughput, and storage agreements at major U.S export ports (US Gulf, PNW)
• Basis & Spread Analysis: Monitor U.S crush margins, production schedules, and domestic basis trends to support optimal buying strategies
• Export Sales Expansion: Grow export volumes of SBM, DDGS, and grains by selling to feed mills, integrators, and distributors across Latin America
• Relationship Management: Maintain and strengthen relationships with key buyers, purchasing managers, and major buying groups in target countries (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Peru)
• Market Intelligence: Analyze regional demand, competitor activity, crop deficits, and import regulations to identify profitable trade flows
• Trade Execution & P&L Management: Oversee international contract negotiation (Incoterms), L&C compliance, and ocean freight booking
• Contract Execution: Oversee international contract negotiation (Incoterms), L&C compliance, and ocean freight booking
• Risk & Profitability: Manage destination sales margins, customer credit exposure, and overall trading book profitability for the region

Skills

Commercial networking

Sourcing SBM

Logistics coordination

Trade execution

Market intelligence

Education

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

Tools

Incoterms

Trade finance

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Schaumburg, IL, Schaumburg, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1002

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

POSCO International America Corp. (PIAC) is the North American subsidiary of POSCO International, a global business company with extensive expertise in steel, energy, industrial materials, food & agri-business, and logistics. With headquarters in New Jersey and operations across the United States and Canada, PIAC connects global suppliers and customers through integrated sourcing, trading, logistics, and supply chain solutions.

Our Agribusiness Division plays a critical role in expanding POSCO International's global food and feed ingredient business by sourcing, marketing, and distributing agricultural commodities throughout North and Latin America. Leveraging a global network, strong industry relationships, and market intelligence, we provide reliable supply chain solutions for grain, feed ingredients, and related agricultural products.

At PIAC, employees have the opportunity to work in a dynamic international environment where entrepreneurial thinking, commercial excellence, and cross-border collaboration drive business growth. We are committed to developing long-term partnerships with our customers while creating opportunities for talented professionals to make a meaningful impact in global trade and agribusiness.

Job Summary

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

• U.S Origination & Domestic Logistics
• Domestic Sourcing: Procure SBM and DDGS by leveraging established relationships with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol production plants.
• Inland Freight Management: Direct and optimize railcar, truck, and barge movements from processing plants to port terminals.
• Port Terminal Operations: Negotiate and manage elevation, throughput, and storage agreements at major U.S export ports (US Gulf, PNW).
• Basis & Spread Analysis: Monitor U.S crush margins, production schedules, and domestic basis trends to support optimal buying strategies
• Export Sales Expansion: Grow export volumes of SBM, DDGS, and grains by selling to feed mills, integrators, and distributors across Latin America.
• Relationship Management: Maintain and strengthen relationships with key buyers, purchasing managers, and major buying groups in target countries (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Peru).
• Market Intelligence: Analyze regional demand, competitor activity, crop deficits, and import regulations to identify profitable trade flows.
• Trade Execution & P&L Management
• Contract Execution: Oversee international contract negotiation (Incoterms), L&C compliance, and ocean freight booking.
• Risk & Profitability: Manage destination sales margins, customer credit 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 Latin American markets.
• Commercial network
• Active sourcing relationship with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol producers
• Strong sales network with feed mills, importers, and agricultural buyers in Latin America
  • Logistics & Trade Expertise
• 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 agribusiness firms
• Knowledge of Korean business culture and/or bilingual ability (English and Korean) highly advantageous
• Competitive 401k with employer match
• Generous PTO and Sick Leave
• Gym reimbursement
• Lunch/Cellphone Stipend
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life) 100% covered by the employer