Merchandiser (Lake City)

TITLE: Merchandiser

TERRITORY: Florida and Georgia

LOCATION: Lake City, FL

COMPANY: Furst-McNess Company

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the Merchandising Manager

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE:

Under general direction, is responsible for procuring grain from producers and elevator, merchandising commodities, grain and ground corn for our facilities and customers in Florida and Georgia. The goal of this position is to profitably grow market share through prospecting and vendor and customer interaction and strengthening these relationships through telephone, in person and on-farm contact. Responsible for building and maintaining long-term relationships with key strategic accounts. This position requires knowledge of farm produced cyclical grain movement, working knowledge of futures, various grain contracts, market position and freight logistics. This individual will work independently and as a team member with other merchandisers, sales representatives, management, other Company resources and with external resources.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Purchase grain as required from producers and grain elevators in accordance with guidelines provided.
• Establish and maintain relationships with area producers, marketing groups, and elevators and effectively communicate local market intelligence with broader Company merchandising staff.
• Determine appropriate cash contracts for the region.
• Manage grain purchase position as well as truck logistics with suppliers and facility inventory levels to meet facility demand and in accordance with inventory and rotation guidelines.
• Enter purchase and sales contracts into the accounting system and maintain and manage grain records and documentation in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Work with accounting department as required to ensure accuracy and timeliness of payments to producers and elevators.
• Work with facility shipping and receiving department to ensure efficient receiving process, manage grain quality with a focus on a high level of customer service.
• Purchase, document and communicate grain hedges to the corporate hedge group in an effective and timely manner.
• Negotiate purchases of feed ingredients and sale of same in accordance with established Company practices and at margin levels representative of business plans.
• Maintain close working relationships with suppliers, transportation companies/personnel, customers and manufacturing facilities.
• Has authority to make sales and purchases within the provided position limits.
• Ensure input on a daily basis of purchase and sale documents.
• Participate in Company meetings, keeping sales staff current on product development opportunities and techniques as part of the overall Team selling approach.
• Keep a pulse on competitive activity and work closely with management developing strategies, sales programs and execution of same in response.
• Keep records and produce reports on all phases of activities as required.
• Participate in the search and development of new business and product opportunities.
• In conjunction with sales representatives or independently as the situation dictates, develop new accounts by making presentations of Company programs, products and services to prospective clients.
• Capable of utilizing sound presentation skills and knowledgeable of competitive products and services.
• Work closely with all personnel regarding areas of credit and collection.
• Participate in industry tradeshows and associations as is reasonable.
• Submit required cycle reports, expense accounts, etc., as dictated by Company guidelines.
• Achieve cycle and annual sales forecasts by effectively utilizing all sales tools and resources provided.
• Perform other work-related duties as requested or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be able to succeed within and adhere to the culture of the Furst-McNess Company.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness or related Ag degree, or equivalent in related work experience along with 5 years’ experience in merchandising, trading or grain or corn procurement minimum experience along with a strong marketing and logistics background.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office products and proficient in the use of all office equipment. Previous experience in SAP is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and is capable of utilizing these skills within all levels of the Company as well as externally.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service to all associates and management staff, showing a sense of urgency relative to solving problems, performing assigned tasks, employee concerns, etc.
• Ability to effectively organize work schedules and manage multiple assignments by utilizing time management skills to ensure day-to-day assignments and special projects are completed within guidelines agreed upon.
• Ability to work as an effective team member within the merchandising department and the Company, as a whole. Willingness to pitch in and do work that may not be a specific part of the job description for the overall good of the department and company.
• Ability to be flexible and be willing to change along with recommending changes that can enhance our ability to serve both internal and external customers more effectively and in a professional manner. Respect other peoples’ points of view and able to take constructive criticism.
• Ability to travel, either by car or by commercial plane, including overnight stays, as business dictates. Must, at all times, possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record (within guidelines set forth in company vehicle policy).