Senior Commodities Trader

Vermont Creamery, L.L.C.; 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 soybean meal risk and drive growth within their merchandising unit. This dynamic role involves building customer relationships, providing market insights, and executing risk management strategies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of commodity trading, particularly in soybean and canola, and demonstrate exceptional negotiation and customer service skills. Join a forward-thinking company committed to excellence in the agricultural sector and make a significant impact on their trading operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commodity trading management experience required.
• Strong understanding of grain markets and logistics essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage soybean meal risk for approximately 90 feed mills.
• Expand customer base and provide competitive pricing.

Skills

Commodity Trading Management

Soybean Market Knowledge

Negotiation Skills

Risk Management

Customer Relationship Management

Logistics Management

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Associate's Degree in relevant 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, S&D, 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 judgement 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. Associates Degree and 10+ years commodity trading management experience in Soybean, Wheat, Canola processing or related field.
2. Possess a 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. Associates Degree and 12+ years 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, S&D, 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