Commodities Director

Position Overview

The Commodities Director is responsible for overseeing the sourcing, purchasing, and management of all commodity inputs necessary for ethanol production, as well as the marketing and sale of co-products. This strategic leadership role involves developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and overseeing the marketing and sales of by-products to ensure the plant’s profitability and operational success. The Commodities Director plays an integral role in market analysis, risk mitigation, and cross departmental collaboration to support the overall business objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for grains aligning with the overall business objectives of the plant.
• Oversee the marketing and sales of co-products such as distillers grains (hi-pro, germ, wet-cake, bran syrup).
• Develop and execute strategies for identifying new market opportunities, pricing, and sales to maximize the revenue potential of co-products.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain dynamics to inform procurement decisions and mitigate risks.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and terms to ensure a reliable supply of quality commodities.

• Lead and mentor the commodities team, cultivating a team of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the finance department to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models related to commodity procurement.
• Work closely with production, logistics, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless integration of supply chain processes and adherence to operational standards.
• Identify potential risks in the commodities market and develop strategies to minimize their impact on the plant’s operations and profitability.
• Prepare and present detailed reports to executive management on procurement activities, market conditions, and performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, agriculture, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (7 years) in commodities procurement, supply chain management, or related fields, preferably in the agriculture or ethanol industry.
• Proven leadership and team management experience, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.  
• Exceptional analytical and negotiation skills, with a strong understanding of market dynamics and risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of commodities markets and grain procurement process.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to use for farm visits.