Farmer Merchandiser

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally. Overall Purpose and Objective of Position This position serves as the lead point of contact with local farmer accounts to source soybeans for the processing operations in Upper Sandusky, OH. Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions Originates soybeans from farmer accounts in the Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan drawing arc Maintains daily communication, organizes logistical services, and assists with accounting issues with suppliers Communicates regularly with US soybean team to define origination strategy and pricing targets Assists with inbound and outbound truck and rail logistics for soybean origination Additional Responsibilities Gathers news, statistics and information related to individual commodity supply and demand from customers and trade sources, and distributes that information to the remainder of the group to support overall strategic trading/positioning ( i.e. , contributes to research function). Helps manage receivables and facilitates innovative methods to keep accounts receivable and average number of days to pay at a minimum. Stays involved in the sale of soybean meal and soy hull pellets to fill-in as necessary Identifies, qualifies and captures new business; develops and contributes to customer/supplier list. Works closely with soybean receiving office, learns Compuweigh and probing / grading operations.  Occasionally communicates with truckers/suppliers regarding quality. Assists and participates with customer visits Participates in regular crop tours to assess conditions and potential yields to anticipate markets Other duties as assigned Weekend work may be required Company Conformance Statements In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public. Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company. Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with all laws and Company policies. Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses Basic qualification:  Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Finance, Business Administration or other business discipline. Experience Basic qualifications: One to three years in the grain business in a merchandising capacity Preferred Experience with rail logistics and a familiarity with the eastern rail market Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) Basic qualifications: Working knowledge of futures markets, hedging and arbitrage Strong verbal and written communication skills Strong quantitative skills, including basic knowledge of statistics, algebra ( e.g., supply and demand relationships, analysis of price relationships) Ability to organize multiple responsibilities, prioritize workload and perform multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work with minimal supervision Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, ( e.g ., Excel and MS Word). Must have valid driver’s license Equipment Used Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax machine. Working Conditions Primarily climate-controlled office environment.  Periodic visits to industrial operations areas are necessary with exposure during such visits to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions. Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and company locations, interacts closely with middle and senior level management, domestic travel to visit customers required (up to 30% at times).  Call-ins or the extension of regular working hours (50-60 hours per week) are occasionally needed to  complete time-sensitive projects or respond to emergencies. Employee Supervision No direct supervision responsibilities but may supervise Merchandisers in the future Decision Making/Accountability Processes a variety of information and data to help devise and execute trading strategies.  Negotiates with trade counterparts to maximize corporate returns.  Advises and recommends trading strategies, assesses risk pertaining to buying and selling and negotiates contract terms with clients. Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status. What We Offer We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world. - Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage - 401k with Company Match - Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays - Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles) Diversity & Inclusion LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity,