Feed Ingredient Merchandiser - PIPESTONE

OBJECTIVE:
To serve as an account manager for Feed Partners while aiding in the procurement of soybean meal and other commodities. This role combines business development skills with expertise in ingredient procurement to drive growth and foster relationships with producers and feed mills across the Midwest.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (other duties as assigned)

• Develop and maintain relationships with pork producers and feed mills while engaging with prospective and current customers to understand their needs and challenges regarding the purchase of micro ingredients and commodities, ensuring long-term partnerships
• Collaborate with ingredient and commodity managers to help effectively procure soybean meal, amino acids, and other feed ingredients, ensuring quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Assist in maintaining vendor contracts, monitor contract pricing versus invoicing, and complete necessary paperwork for new supplier credit applications.
• Handle intermediate accounting tasks such as invoicing, collections, and payment processing using AgVision software, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Update soybean meal claims worksheets with customer load information, invoice customers for lab sampling, and communicate with suppliers regarding claim requests.
• Collaborate with all key teams, including finance, IT, and operations, to develop efficient processes related to procurement activities.
• Develop protocols to identify target customers and initiate the sales and recruiting process while collaborating with nutrition account managers to align efforts and strategies.
• Manage the logistical needs of customers to ensure timely delivery of products to feed mill locations.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree required in agricultural sciences or business

Experience:
5-10 years of experience in the food, feed, and/or ingredients industry, with a focus on ingredient procurement and customer relationship management

Work Environment:
Office environment (Remote Opportunity)

Physical Requirements:
Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Proven ability to develop and maintain strong business relationships with key industry participants
High level of self-motivation
Strong strategic planning, decision-making, and execution skills

Additional Requirements:
Periodic domestic travel (estimated at 10-20%)