Market Strategy Advisor - FS Grain - Morris, IL

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Market Strategy Advisor will build and maintain relationships with an assigned customer base and prospects, while managing the risk to FS GRAIN and the customer.  In collaboration with FS Grain leadership , the Market Strategy Advisor is responsible for developing and communicating marketing strategies  with the patron and the entire customer service team to increase overall origination market share and profitability.    

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develop and implement origination programs among the customer base and prospect list including futures, options, basis and 3rd party agreements as it is relevant to a customer’s operation.  Responsible for meeting individual origination goal.

Examine market conditions, develop, and implement origination strategies within customer base to maximize origination margins while managing risk.  Position will be considered the “local expert” regarding grain markets and will be able to interpret market reports and technical information to communicate recommendations to staff and customers by phone, face to face contact, electronic means, or presentations.

Monitors competitor bids and selects best option(s) for patrons.  Will be able to quote current and deferred prices to customers for a variety of markets, work with our Merchandisers to determine how to define and leverage those markets.

Travels throughout FS GRAIN’s territory to call on existing and prospective customers.  Create and deliver market presentations and marketing strategies to customers and prospects in large and small group settings.   Frequently create and deliver grain marketing strategies via electronic channels.

Possess a thorough understanding of FS GRAIN’s technology package as it relates to management of customer contacts, profiles, opportunities, and other pertinent business details Promote and assist patrons with customer technology. Develop and implement “cross-selling” strategy within the FS GRAIN territory utilizing the FS GRAIN origination staff with its local partner Cooperatives, including Heritage FS, GRAINCO FS, Conserv FS, Carroll Service, and Agview FS.  Network with other ag professionals to identify business expansion opportunities.

Use a Customer Relationship Management system to manage customer contacts, profiles, opportunities, and other pertinent business details.

Assist in creating a positive work environment with encouraging and respectful interactions that promotes a consistent message of leadership, profitability, and competitiveness.

Adhering to company policy regarding expense, PTO, and vehicle usage reporting.

Maintains a clean and professional appearance and provides courteous, timely and professional customer service.

Attends all required meetings and training programs.

Learn the requirements of scale operations and collaborate with facility managers to help forecast inbound grain movement

Effectively communicate with facility manager, operations staff, and members of the customer service team as needed.

Promote FS GRAIN’s safety culture by following all safety policies and procedures.

Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a college degree, preferably in Ag Economics, Ag Marketing, or Agri-Business.  Prefer knowledge of cooperative philosophies and principles.

Proven past origination success, sales experience, and leadership.  Typically, as a result of 5+ years of industry experience.

Series III National Commodity Futures Certification is required or the ability to obtain certification within the first six months.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, have the ability to work independently, and travel when

necessary.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Understanding and experience with agricultural marketing related areas including marketing strategy, grain risk management, market information, conditions and trends, price strategy, branding promotions, industry relations, policies and procedures, and compliance along with planning, budgeting, and communications.

Expert level understanding of grain markets, including but not limited to basis, futures, spreads, options and the ability to recognize risk in the grain markets for both parties in a transaction

Proven sales competencies including securing appointment with customer or prospect, planning a sales call, and securing new business with sales prospects

Demonstrated problem solving skills to navigate complex marketplace and customer relationships

Professional communication skills through verbal presentations, written emails and text messages, and inter-department conversations

Ability to interpret global, regional, and local grain market information, develop marketing strategy and deliver market strategy recommendation to a customer base and throughout customer service team

Ability to build professional relationships and partnerships, assess business opportunities, and negotiate appropriate agreements.

Proven team building skills and the ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.

Demonstrated core competencies including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development. 

FS GRAIN is a leading grain company with 80 full time employees operating in Northern Illinois. FS GRAIN operates 19 facilities with a combined storage capacity of 40 million bushels, and access to multiple grain markets, including ownership of two Class I shuttle loaders. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.