Senior Commodities Trader

Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Arden Hills (MN); On-site; USD 105,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Commodities Trader to manage and grow the Soybean Meal Risk program. This role is pivotal in guiding risk strategy and fostering relationships with clients across multiple feed mills. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of soybean meal markets, demonstrate strong negotiation skills, and have the ability to think quickly in a dynamic environment. Join a company that values talent and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive results and enhance customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in commodity trading management required.
• Strong knowledge of soybean meal markets and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage soybean meal risk for approximately 90 feed mills.
• Build and maintain customer relationships while expanding the customer base.
• Provide market information and risk management tools to clients.

Skills

Commodity Trading Management

Negotiation Skills

Customer Service Skills

Supply & Demand Fundamentals

Risk Management

Logistics Management

Critical Thinking

Business Acumen

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Associate's Degree in related field

Job description

As stated in the Land O'Lakes Job Posting policy, all employees who post for an internal opening must inform their current manager at the time they apply.

Our growth relies on our extraordinary talent. Unlock your greatest potential at Land O'Lakes by continuing to make a difference, driving results, and growing your career.

Senior Commodities Trader

This position is responsible for growing and managing our Soybean Meal Risk program. The role, as part of a team, manages soybean meal risk for approximately 90 feed mills. The individual will play a critical role in guiding and executing soybean meal risk strategy to both internal and external players. The position is responsible for building new customers and maintaining existing relationships. The position works cross-functionally within the NutraBlend business division, working closely with both the Direct Ship team and the Central Plants team. Strong knowledge of soybean meal markets – both futures and flat price, supply & demand, negotiation skills, and the ability to think and react quickly are necessary for success in this position.

In this role, you will be:

1. Responsible for contributing to growth within our Merchandising business unit.
2. Working cross-functionally within the Purina Animal Nutrition business unit.
3. Providing customers with ingredients that meet specifications at competitive prices and with market information that helps them incorporate their risk management tools.
4. Working with existing clients on Soybean Meal risk management opportunities.
5. Expanding the customer base and looking for cross-selling opportunities.
6. Independently exercising good business judgment and discretion in marketing and planning efforts. Establish priced positions that work for our customers and provide profitable opportunities for the company.
7. Demonstrating a high level of understanding for managing logistics and arbitrage and capturing arbitrage opportunities when available.
8. Maintaining current knowledge of feeding economics and the relative value of competing ingredients and can articulate the same with customers and internal partners.
9. Understanding and demonstrating the ability to implement and abide by risk management policy and procedures.

Required Experience/Education:

1. Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of commodity trading management experience in Soybean, Canola processing, or related field. Associate's Degree and 10+ years commodity trading management experience in Soybean, Wheat, Canola processing, or related field.
2. Possess vast knowledge of Supply & Demand Fundamentals both domestically and globally.
3. An understanding of animal nutrition and the relative values of commodities.
4. Demonstrated understanding of grain markets, hedging, commodity flows, and logistics.
5. Ability to travel, as needed.

Preferred Experience/Education:

1. Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years of commodity trading management experience in Soybean, Canola processing, or related field. Associate's Degree and 12+ years of commodity trading management experience in Soybean, Canola processing, or related field.
2. Proven critical thinking skills and ability to drive strategy forward.
3. Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills and relationship building capability.
4. Knowledge of the agricultural industry’s trading standards and procedures.
5. Strong knowledge of soybean meal markets – both futures and flat price, supply & demand, negotiation skills, and the ability to think and react quickly are necessary for success in this position.
6. Exceptional oral and written skills along with strong organizational skills.
7. Strong business acumen, and ability to read balance statements.

Preferred Competencies/Skills:

1. Evaluate and advise strategy for the trading business.
2. Comprehension of short and long-range fundamentals of a product(s) marketplace is central to the role's value in the Business Unit.
3. Expected to problem solve in the midst of execution and day-to-day execution issues.
4. Develop and maintain extensive and varied business relationships in the marketplace.

Salary Range: $105,040 - $157,560

Grade: E13