What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grain & Feed Merchandiser position at J.D. Heiskell & Companies?
At JDH and each of our subsidiaries, we know that agriculture is about more than moving commodities—it’s about connecting people and building relationships that matter. Founded in 1886, we’ve been proudly family-owned for five generations, and our roots in the industry run deep. From our mills and storage facilities to our corporate offices, our jobs provide a safe and supportive place to grow and reach your potential.
Our experienced commodity traders manage grains, co-products, manufactured animal feed and animal feed ingredients. We work closely with a wide variety of origin markets to move commodities to destinations with demand. Using our extensive transportation network—including rail, truck and barge—we connect supply and demand across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia.
But we don’t just trade commodities, we deliver reliability, value and the promise of doing what’s right. Whether it’s ensuring quality standards or finding innovative solutions, we’re here to challenge the status quo and keep the industry evolving.
With a wide variety of career opportunities, you can find your fit, whether it’s working at one of our feed mills, managing logistics, trucking items to their destination or balancing the books at one of our office locations.
At JDH, we value hard work and the drive to seek out what’s next. Together, with our team of dedicated professionals, we believe we’re building a better future for agriculture.
Summary:
The Grain & Feed Merchandiser will be required to learn JDH business as it pertains to Southwest Trading Locations and will be expected to be prepared to assist in all aspects of JDH sales and merchandising. The merchandiser will report to the Southwest Region General Manager.
Essential Functions
- Lead, support, and help foster safety culture and best practices throughout the organization.
- Maximize trade in his/her commodity within an assigned territory in order to produce superior profits for JDH.
- Maintain knowledge of market factors that produce price movements.
- Communicate important market information and activity to other traders and management.
- Maintain a working knowledge of trading rules and regulations to be followed without exception.
- Successfully operate within the policies, procedures, and position limits established by management, and accurately report all positions and trading results through the established mechanisms.
- Arrange for cost effective and efficient transportation of commodities.
- Maintain JDH's reputation through careful and honest handling of customer/supplier relations.
- Supervise the support staff and insure proper execution of all contracts.
- Bachelor's Degree in Ag Business, Economics, Finance, or other related area.
- 2-4 years commodity trading experience required.
- The candidate must have a positive attitude and ability to motivate staff and customers.
- Proven ability to understand commodity markets in general, futures and cash markets.
- Proven ability to understand grain flows, freight markets, and market opportunities.
- Proven ability to professionally manage customer relationships.