Associate Grain Originator

Overall Job Function:

The Associate Grain Originator will work with our team of Grain Originators to learn the skills necessary to become a valued member of our team. As an Associate Grain Originator you will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with producers within FCS’ trade territory that leads to long-term and mutually beneficial results. The Associate Grain Originator will proactively communicate with existing and prospective customer accounts to convey sound marketing advice and solutions FCS has to offer.

Essential Job Functions:

Effectively communicates with producers to inform them of market movement, trends, & pertinent information. Including phone calls, on farm visits, and marketing meetings.

Demonstrates initiative in recruitment of new customers within FCS trade territory and works to capture additional market share of grain production from existing FCS customers.

Develops and fills standing grain orders for customers as the market hits them.

Maintains expert knowledge of diverse grain contracts offered to producers and explores potential grain marketing tools for FCS and its customers.

Oversees execution of customer contracts on both delivered and FOB purchases.

Works to develop and maintain a direct ship book of business, including reporting growth and opportunities.

Understand grain hedging and applicable risk management processes and regularly assists in managing the company’s risk positions.

Effective understanding of regional grain markets and monitors competitiveness in setting bids and assisting in making company sales.

Assists accounting department in providing timely and accurate grain settlements to producers.

Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Work with merchandisers, operations personnel, carriers, and end users to efficiently move the companies physical grain positions to necessary destinations.

Assists in grain operations scaling/grading and maintaining efficient traffic flow through company facilities as needed, particularly during harvest.

Develops strong understanding of all aspects of the company’s grain business as it pertains to merchandising, risk, operations, logistics, and finance.

Competencies

Understands business implications of decisions and acts as an exemplary ambassador for the organization.

Positive demeanor and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.

High level of customer service focus.

Effective at negotiating and recognizes opportunities.

Commitment to dependability and willingness to work to meet goals and deadlines.

Demonstrates flexibility and accepts changes in routine.

Organization of personal work to set priorities and efficient, productive use of time.

Education & Experience:

Agriculture Background with a strong desire to learn and excel in the grain industry.

Experience in sales with an emphasis in agriculture.

Knowledge of grain, grain prices, and markets is beneficial but willing to train.

Excellent Written and Oral Communication Skills.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a fast-paced agricultural setting and is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and vibrations. The employees is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally may be loud. PPE will be provided and must be utilized according to safety standards. Typical working hours are based on customer and organizational demand; hours may be long, irregular and including weekends and holidays during peak season.

Physical Demands:

While performing job functions the employee will be required to talk and hear most of the time. The employee will spend frequent intervals moving and sitting, while also needing to reach, bend, twist, crawl, crouch, stoop or kneel. The employee will need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently and maneuver on and off a mobile equipment. The physicality of this job is high.