Grain Merchandiser
POET · Gowrie
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 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.
BENEFITS & PERKS
Eligible Team Members may receive
$$ Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
401K with company match
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition reimbursement
Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance
All POET Team Members enjoy
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
'Family-first' culture
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES
POET Grain is a leader in the grain market, buying nearly a billion bushels of grain annually from over 30,000 local farmers. When we show up to work at POET Grain, it’s our job to meet our customers’ needs as efficiently as possible while buying grain at the best possible value for POET.
As a Grain Merchandiser, you will have the chance to work directly with some of America’s best farmers, commercial grain companies, and look for other grain merchandising opportunities in our draw areas. This role combines producer engagement, customer service, and market analysis in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
What you’ll do
Build and maintain relationships with farmers and commercial grain partners
Procure grain through on-farm visits, phone calls, and customer meetings
Analyze local supply/demand, competition, crop and market conditions to offer competitive bids
Create and communicate marketing strategies tailored to customer needs
Manage grain contracts, records and customer database
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Bachelor’s degree in ag business, marketing, animal science, or a related field, or have 3-5 years of grain merchandising/origination/advisory experience
Strong knowledge of grain marketing, contracts, and market drivers
Background in sales and/or customer relations.
Ability to seek out and build strong customer relationships and build a market territory
Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
Excellent organization and time management skills with a sense of urgency that drives results.
Familiarity with the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the capability to learn new programs.
BONUS POINTS: a demonstrated background of success.
STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
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
Ability to think objectively
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment with a positive and friendly attitude
Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit customers and attend meetings off-site. At times, overnight travel may be required.
This position operates primarily in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.
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!
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.
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.