Merchant - Animal Proteins

The Merchant is a commodity trading position challenged to develop and utilize trade skills in origination, sales and execution in a defined market. This individual will learn market analytics, build customer rapport, buy and sell commodities, logistics execution, contract management and accounts receivable. The Merchant builds and maintains customer relationships on the origination side of the business as well as with the end user and transportation partners. 

Market Analytics:

• Learn and understand Scoular's risk management tools.
• Learn and understand market trends, key leading indicators and become proficient in understanding complex market dynamics.
• Proficient in Scoular systems, tools, reports (CTRM, etc.).
• Responsible for capturing new business.
• Interact with customers, express ideas, formulate and share opinions.
• Formulate and articulate thoughts and insights on the market.
• Ensure customers stay within Scoular Trade Finance’s counter party limits.
• Develop skills to make buying and selling decisions.
• Sharing market intel in real time.
• Excel in a team first trade environment.

Logistics/Execution:

• Lead execution logistics planning and strategy. Includes fundamental knowledge of truck/rail execution and commodity arbitrage.
• Manage relationships with the freight providers.
• Negotiate freight contracts.
• Arbitrage the position for optimal execution.
• Expected to problem-solve in midst of execution and day to day execution issues.

Customer Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain extensive and varied business relationships in the marketplace.
• Provide customers with accurate market information and answers to questions about their business transactions, such as settlements.
• With support of Merchandiser II and Manager, start to build effective, ongoing interactions with both current and potential customers.
• Build trading rapport with origin and destination customers.
• Contract management including reconciling balances with customers.

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

Preferred 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.