Grain Merchant in Clinton, Wisconsin at The DeLong Co., Inc.

Location: 214 Allen Street, USA, Clinton, WI, 53525
Employee Type: Full Time - Exempt
Required Degree: Fouryeardegree
Manage Others: No
Description

The DeLong Co. is hiring a Grain Merchandiser in Clinton, WI to manage the buying and selling of grain for an assigned location or series of locations. You'll originate and merchandise grain by building relationships with producers, end users, and commercial counterparties, and you'll own a customer book of business and the physical grain positions that go with it, through contract management, market analysis, logistics coordination, and risk management.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

You'll run your locations' grain business day to day, working across every part of the grain division:

• Merchandising and Origination: Independently originate, price, and execute purchase and sale contracts for corn, soybeans, and wheat; develop bid and offer strategies; capture arbitrage, basis, and spread opportunities; and manage physical grain positions by monitoring HPR and open contracts

• Customer Service and Book Management: Own and grow the customer book for your assigned location(s), with frequent in-person visits and sales calls to originate new business, retain customers, and expand volume with producers and end users

• Market Analysis: Monitor and analyze futures, basis, cash markets, export demand, and fundamentals such as weather, crop conditions, policy, and global trade to support pricing, hedging, and position decisions

• Risk Management: Hedge and manage futures and basis exposure, reconcile daily HPR, and operate within the DeLong Company grain policy, escalating exceptions to the Head of Merchandising

• Logistics: Plan and coordinate truck, rail, and barge movements at the best possible cost, compare freight economics when pricing trades, and create and communicate shipping schedules

• Accounting and Contract Administration: Use AGRIS to enter, edit, and amend contracts; review contracts, tickets, and settlements; and monitor accounts receivable and customer exposure with Accounting staff

• Grain Grading and Quality: Apply grading procedures for corn, soybeans, and wheat to contract specifications, discounts, and claims, and resolve quality-related issues

• Outside Operations: Work closely with elevator operations on scheduling, inventory, and capacity so merchandised grain can be received, stored, and shipped efficiently

BEYOND THE CORE ROLE

You'll also contribute to the bigger picture of the grain division:

• Real Projects: Assist colleagues with grain division projects, including investments, acquisitions, projections, and strategic planning

• Data Analytics: Complete analytics for the Head of Merchandising, Vice President of Grain, and President to support business decisions

• Documentation: Keep grain documentation accurate and organized

• Grain Policy: Understand and follow the practices and procedures in The DeLong Company grain policy

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

Required:

• 1+ years of grain merchandising, origination, or grain trading experience, including buying and selling grain at one or more locations

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage physical grain positions, hedges, and basis/spread risk

• Strong working knowledge of futures, options, basis, and cash grain contracts

• Working knowledge of truck, rail, and barge logistics and freight pricing

• 4-year college degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Agriculture, or Economics, or equivalent industry experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills

• Proficiency with AGRIS accounting software (or comparable grain accounting/merchandising systems)

• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to work independently

• Willingness to take responsibility and speak up within the organization

Preferred:

• Export grain merchandising experience

• Hedging and risk management experience

• Grain logistics experience (truck, rail, and barge)

• Producer and end-user origination experience

• Background in finance, economics, or agricultural business

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

Inside the company, you'll work with the Head of Merchandising, the Vice President of Grain, and members of our grain division team, including Accounting, Logistics, and Operations. Outside, you'll connect with producers, end users, brokers, exporters, transportation providers, industry professionals, and auditors. You'll have no direct reports, but you'll have the authority to make decisions on pricing, contract execution, and position management within the limits of the grain policy, with oversight from the Head of Merchandising and Vice President of Grain.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTS

You'll sit for long periods at times, handle stressful situations with rapidly changing requirements, and work extended hours during our busy season. Travel is required for customer visits and sales calls, and a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance are required. We're looking for someone who is driven to complete tasks and succeed within the organization.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

This role is built to lead somewhere. As you grow in the position, you can move into Grain Elevator Group Manager, Location Manager, or another management role.

ABOUT THE DELONG CO., INC.

The DeLong Co. has been a trusted partner to farmers and agricultural communities for generations. Our grain division keeps producers connected to the programs, tools, and people they count on, and as our Grain Merchandiser, you'll help keep it that way.

BENEFITS

• Medical: PPO and HSA plan options

• Additional coverage: Dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and pet insurance

• Retirement and savings: 401(k) with a 5% company match, plus FSA and dependent care accounts

• Health perks: Discount Rx plan and telehealth access

• Competitive pay: A compensation package that can be tailored to you

GROW WITH US

• Advanced training, educational resources, and tuition reimbursement

• Leadership development, with a focus on promoting from within

• Internships in agronomy, seed, grain operations, and grain merchandising for college students

VETERANS WELCOME

Veterans and transitioning service members are strongly encouraged to apply. Our Military Veteran Resource Group supports career navigation and peer connections.

GIVING BACK

• Community giving to agricultural organizations, local food pantries, and first responders

• A Scholarship Program for children and grandchildren of employees and customers, with over $200,000 awarded in the last 10 years

• A Matching Gifts Program that matches employee donations to nonprofits

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

DeLong Company is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. All employees must pass a pre-employment drug screening.

If you're driven, knowledgeable about grain, and ready to take ownership of a book of business, apply today. We'd love to talk.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.