Grain Procurement Specialist

POET is a leading bioethanol and bio-based products company that has been a good steward of the Earth for over thirty years. Our mission is to convert renewable resources into energy and valuable goods as effectively as possible. We are a world-class organization that values teamwork, communication, and a culture of safety and environmental compliance.

As a Grain Merchandiser at POET, you will have the opportunity to work directly with farmers, commercial grain companies, and other stakeholders to meet their needs and buy grain at the best possible value for POET. You will be responsible for developing and retaining customer relationships, formulating solutions to meet their needs, and understanding grain weighing and grading procedures and policies.

• Procure grain supplies through the purchase of grain from producers and commercial accounts.
• Seek out new potential customers for POET via phone, traveling to farms, and holding various types of meetings in a variety of venues.
• Manage and keep current customer database.
• Analyze local supply/demand, competition, crop and market conditions (including carry/inverted markets) to buy grain at optimum price levels.
• Monitor competitiveness of cash bids within the local trade area.
• Maintain familiarity with fundamental and technical market factors in order to speak intelligently about market outlook and share with the grain team and customers.
• Maintain reports detailing customer volumes and marketing trends.
• Gather market intelligence on competitor activities and share with grain team.
• Develop arbitrage/merchandising opportunities for grain.
• Initiate contractual agreements for grain and ensure the accuracy of contracts.
• Hedge all grain purchases in coordination with POET Grain policies.
• Maintain all grain records in an audit ready status.
• Update grain bids on web pages, apps and after-hours phone lines daily.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.

• Bachelor's Degree in ag business, marketing, animal science or related field or 3-5 years of grain merchandising/origination/advisory experience.
• Demonstrated background of success.
• Background in grain marketing and/or production agriculture.
• Thorough knowledge of grain contracts and marketing alternatives and ability to explain these to customers.
• Commitment to work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business-related matters.
• Enjoy working with people and finding solutions to their needs.
• Knowledge of fundamental and technical market drivers pertaining to grain.
• Understand options strategies in conjunction with cash grain sales.
• Solid and persuasive business communication and interpersonal skills.
• Background in sales and/or customer relations.
• Maintain a very high level of customer service along with a positive, friendly attitude.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good business judgment.
• Familiar with the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and capable of learning new programs.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Communicate effectively in writing and in person.
• Ability to understand technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations.
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses.
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person mentally, physically, and spiritually.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• 401K with company match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture.
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.