Assistant Commercial Manager

Overall Purpose and Objective of PositionThis position serves the assistant commercial lead of a greenfield soybean processing plant in Ohio.  This role will be critical in developing and maintaining effective relationships with the local farm community, feed buyers and logistics providers including truck carriers and both short-line and Class 1 railroads.  Role will be expected to foster a professional and collaborative atmosphere between the commercial and industry management of the facilityPrimary Responsibilities/Essential FunctionsDefines and executes the grains & oilseeds origination strategy from the local farm & commercial supply base Engages with broader team to map out & execute carry strategy to maximize storage valueDevelops and fosters commercial relationships with suppliers & customers to expand market opportunities Coordinates with soybean meal and hull marketers to buy grain in areas that maximize backhaul opportunities.Communicates commercial priorities on commodity receiving and load out with operations groupMaintains daily communication, organizes logistical services, and assists with accounting issues with suppliers.Communicates regularly with US soybean team to origination strategy and pricing targets.Develops & maintains local supply/demand balance sheets for use in shaping soybean procurement effort Distributes daily/weekly market wires to regional group recapping relevant trade highlights Actively participates in regularly scheduled market calls, internal market chats and balance sheet discussions Ensures timely entry of trades into position management system and validates daily positions Leads local commercial origination team & drives team’s professional development Assists in business analysis for internal and external implementation Tuned into all CBOT, NOPA, etc., oilseed complex trade rule developmentsParticipates in strategic planning discussions Additional ResponsibilitiesParticipates in the recruitment, hiring and development of a strong and talented local team.Provides regular performance feedback to direct reports, ensuring individuals are rewarded for performance.Enhances LDC’s brand awareness in the local area through community engagement and outreachServes as a lead on KPIs, daily production report and other internally produced industrial reports Stays abreast of all company, federal, state and local laws, regulations tied to grain handling to ensure complianceActively supports the Company’s Safety, Health and Environmental systems and objectivesHelps manage receivables and facilitates innovative methods to keep accounts receivables in checkIdentifies, qualifies and captures new business; develops and contributes to customer/supplier list.Works closely with soybean receiving office, learns Compuweigh and probing / grading operations. Weekend work may be requiredOther duties as assignedCompany Conformance StatementsIn 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/LicensesBasic qualifications: Bachelor’s degreeExperienceBasic qualifications:Eight or more years of experience in the grain business in a merchandising capacityUnderstanding of inventory and quality management as well as experience with rail logisticsPreferredExperience with processingKnowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)Basic qualifications:Working knowledge of futures markets, hedging and arbitrageStrong verbal and written communication skillsStrong 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 simultaneouslyAbility to work with minimal supervisionProficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word).Must have valid driver’s licenseEquipment UsedTypical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax machine.Working ConditionsPrimarily 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 SupervisionNo direct supervision responsibilities but may supervise Merchandisers in the futureDecision Making/AccountabilityProcesses 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.