Merchandising Intern - Summer 2027

POET; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

On-site fitness centers or reimburse

Safety and cold-weather gear reimburse

Job summary

POET Bioproducts in Sioux Falls, SD is offering a Summer 2027 Merchandising Intern role. You will assist the Merchandising Team in market research, develop sales strategies, and help market and transport our feed products to customers worldwide using trucks, trains, barges and ocean vessels.

This on-site internship is for current sophomores or juniors pursuing a Bachelor's in Ag Business, Ag Economics, or economics, with strong communication, organization, and customer service skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Sophomore or Junior in college and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Ag Business, Ag Economics, Economics, or similar major.
• Customer service mindset with a desire to find solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with a sense of urgency that drive results.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

Responsibilities

• Research and gather market intelligence in various market areas
• Work with the merchandising team to develop sales strategies
• Promote and represent POET Bioproducts at off-site customer locations, POET Partner plants and networking meetings
• Complete a strategic market development plan or equivalent value-added project
• Utilize and develop various forms of marketing communication
• Understand the various market drivers for commodity marketing on a worldwide stage
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere. Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

Skills

Customer service mindset

Excellent communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ag Business / Ag Economics / Economics

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

Each day, when we show up to work at POET Bioproducts it's our job to market and transport, as efficiently as possible, about 20,000 tons of our high-quality feed products from our bio-processing facilities to our valued customers who happen to be located all over the globe. We use trucks, trains, barges and ocean vessels to make this happen and as a Merchandising Intern it will be your job to assist the Merchandising Team in managing our Co-Product portfolio by studying the markets and developing customer relationships. Your specific assignments can vary by product and may include marketing Dried or Wet Distillers Grains, Distillers Corn Oil to either domestic or international customers. If you are a problem solver, detail oriented, a good team player, and an effective communicator and are looking for an opportunity with a strong, growing company in an exciting industry, we can provide you with all the necessary training and tools to be successful. This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD.

• Research and gather market intelligence in various market areas
• Work with the merchandising team to develop sales strategies
• Promote and represent POET Bioproducts at off-site customer locations, POET Partner plants and networking meetings
• Complete a strategic market development plan or equivalent value-added project
• Utilize and develop various forms of marketing communication
• Understand the various market drivers for commodity marketing on a worldwide stage
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere. Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Sophomore or Junior in college and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Ag Business, Ag Economics, Economics, or similar major.
• Customer service mindset with a desire to find solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with a sense of urgency that drive results.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills - ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset and the ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness and creativity in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

PERKS

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.

Over the past 30 years of bioprocessing leadership, we’ve assembled the industry’s strongest team of engineers, scientists, financial analysts and more. Along the way, we’ve carefully selected team members who share our core values and pride in everything we do. That’s common sense - and it’s led to some of the most creative bioprocessing work in the world. The people of POET make working here a challenging, exhilarating place to advance a career. They accomplish great things for millions of Americans and find great satisfaction in helping our country in so many ways.