Merchant

The Merchant position is a commodity trading position challenged to develop and utilize skills in origination, sales, and execution.  This individual will analyze assigned grain and freight markets, make purchase and sales decisions, logistics execution, contract flow, and accounts receivable. The Merchant is expected to build and maintain customer relationships domestically and internationally with suppliers, end users, transportation partners and other stakeholders in the supply chain.

Market Analytics:

• Learn and understand market trends, key leading indicators and become proficient in understanding complex market dynamics.
• Develop skills to make buying and selling decisions.
• Responsible for capturing supply in the specific/designated region.
• Interact with customers, express ideas, forumlate and share opinions.
• Formulate and articulate thoughts and insights on the market.
• Ensure customers stay within Scoular Trade Finance’s counter party limits.
• Learn and understand Scoular's risk management tools.
• Reporting responsibilities.

Logistics/Execution:

• Assist and/or lead execution logistics planning and strategy. Includes fundamental knowledge of truck/rail execution and commodity arbitrage.
• Knowledge of systems and procedures that document and support executions.
• Negotiate freight contracts.

Customer Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain the extensive and varied business relationships in the market place.
• Provide customers with accurate market information and answers to questions about their business transactions, such as settlements.
• At the direction of the Trade Unit Manager, add sales customers to their contract list as market familiarity increases.
• Build trading rapport with orgin and destination customers.
• Contract management including reconciling balances with customers.

• College degree in business related field or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional customer service skills and relationship building capability.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly skilled in problem solving techniques.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to travel, as needed.

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years of merchandising experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of grain markets, hedging and commodity flows.
• Knowledge of the agricultural industry’s trading standards and procedures.
• Demonstrated aptitude in accounting and financial practices and procedures.