Flax & Specialty Crop Merchandiser

The Flax & Specialty Crop Merchandiser will work under the limited supervision of the Procurement and Operations Director. The Merchandiser will be primarily responsible for procuring organic and conventional flax along with other specialty crops from growers and vendors to meet our customers’ needs. The Merchandiser will also be responsible for selling and trading crops in their portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Develop relationships with growers and vendors of assigned products.
• Understand the complexity of each crop assigned and communicate those variables to HFI Team (i.e., growing conditions, planting dates, harvest dates, cost of the product, market analysis and trend of each product, etc.)
• Travel for in-person visits with contract growers and vendors.
• Attend domestic trade shows.
• Provide timely pricing to sales personnel of assigned portfolio.
• Provide written reports to supervisor and other HFI personnel as requested.
• Work with other internal departments including Logistics, HFI Facilities, Accounting, Sales, and Quality.
• Work with the Sustainability Team on Regenerative Ag or other ag practices.
• Review inventory monthly and manage positions.
• Forward contract and spot purchase crops to cover HFI sales demand.
• Negotiate and manage contracts.
• Work with other purchasing and crop production team members’ portfolios when necessary or as a back-up.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Well organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Experience in specialty crops and grain procurement.
• Willing to travel within North America.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Self-starter