Grain Marketing Manager - Insight FS - Jefferson, WI

Insight FS is headquartered in Jefferson, Wisconsin with 23 branches across the state and upper peninsula of Michigan. Insight FS has 430+ employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 50,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, agri-finance, precision agriculture, nutrient management, energy, feed, grain, and turf. Insight FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for the origination, logistics, and coordination of grain department activities.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads, organizes, trains, and develops grain employees through effective staffing, providing leadership, setting and managing performance expectations, and actively maintaining performance management standards to maximize growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leads Grain Department operations by developing and implementing grain marketing programs, managing communications and budgets, and driving growth and profitability. Originates grain through all elevators and manages origination personnel for the selling of grain into all markets for elevator and direct purchases.

Develops grain hedging strategies, including those offered MID-CO, and executes a risk management program using exchange-traded futures and options.

Merchandises grain within the policy guidelines set by the board of directors.

Takes ownership for both the quantity and quality of all grain under company ownership.

Negotiates with brokers, millers, truckers, & terminals to establish cash grain bids and sales prices.

Maintains proper grain dealer, grain warehouse, and regulatory requirements.

Collaborates with the Production & Logistics Manager to efficiently utilize available truck freight for grain movement to and from regional facilities and off-farm locations.

Builds expertise and lends supervision to the grain activities occurring within the region.

Responsible for profitable grain origination from farmer customers in the assigned territory.

Acquires in-depth knowledge of the commodities markets to become the “local expert”.

Oversees the daily operations of the facility.

Collaborates with the accounting team to ensure compliance in feed ingredient and grain inventory management.

Responsible for ensuring regional employees comply with government regulatory requirements, safety standards and company policies and procedures.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsible for interpreting marketing reports, technical information, and other market data to effectively disseminate information & recommendations to customers.

May be required to oversee the organization, direction, and training of all facility managers, origination specialists, and accounting personnel to maximize company efficiency while maintaining an acceptable level of customer service.

Carries out on-site farm visits to both existing and potential customers.

Sets up timely grain marketing meetings. 

Develops relationships with various trade associations.

Effectively supports, implements and lives out the FS Way Service Excellence Standards.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and at least 3 years’ experience in a grain business environment with profit and loss accountability, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate effective customer service, communication and computer skills in a multi-faceted grain market.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Utilizes technology, including Microsoft Office programs and proprietary software, to enhance business processes.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

This position may have to work extended hours or beyond hours considered “normal” as business conditions warrant.

This position will require travel independently and occasionally overnight.

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, snow, ice, etc.)
• Noisy conditions
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures
• May be required to work at varying heights
• Lift 51 - 70 lbs.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment is contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.