Grain Marketing Specialist Trainee

Agtegra Cooperative is seeking a Grain Marketing Specialist Trainee in the Aberdeen, SD area.


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Position Summary*
The Grain Marketing Specialist Trainee is responsible to learn and get exposed to grain origination and operations by participating in activities that involve but not limited to buying grain in and around their designated trade area, initiating and developing business relationships with identified customers, identifying and contacting prospective customers, working face-to-face with grain producers on the farm, providing a clear and consistent message to Agtegra’s patrons, working with Product Line Managers and operation personal aiding in grain flow planning at the location level and helping each location meet profitability goals.


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Essential Duties and Responsibilities*


Participating in training activities focusing on the essential skills needed to be a successful Grain Marketing Specialist facilitated by the Area Origination Manager
Effectively and efficiently procuring grain from area producers into Agtegra grain elevator system, focusing on both volume and gross margin objectives.
Developing long-term business relationships with targeted customers by customizing Agtegra’s programs and tools to the individual customer’s needs, along with identifying and promoting value with the intent of maximizing mutual value for both the customer and Agtegra.
Understanding and following Agtegra’s grain contracting procedures as well as National Grain and Feed Association Trade and Arbitration Rules in daily grain contract activity.
Communicating effectively with customers, via direct and electronic means (i.e. test messaging, e-mail, newsletters, social media, etc.), and with others in the Grain Department to: originate grain

introduce Agtegra’s programs and risk management tools, assist producers in developing/monitoring marketing plans, define customers’ needs, etc.


Tracking and communicating producer trends, marketing plans, crop conditions, wants/needs/concerns to the appropriate people within Agtegra’s organization.
Utilizing and maintaining detailed records on the targeted customers to enhance the understanding of customers’ needs and the unique characteristics of their operations.
Participating and assisting in the planning and execution of the Grain Origination team strategy, business plans, and marketing efforts.
Participating and assisting in hedge desk activities and responsibilities
Learning and understanding FOB bids and freight spreads that are utilized to procure grain and enhance margins.

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Education and Experience Required*


Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
Strong communication and listening skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (M.S. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Must have valid driver’s license with the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

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Competencies*


Analytical- Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data
Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Adaptability- Adapts to chances in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Relationship building- An ability to identify and initiate working relationships and to develop and maintain them in a way that is of mutual benefit to both yourself and the other party

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Physical Demands*
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.


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Work Environment*
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will usually experience typical office environment and occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


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Health Insurance, Vision/Dental Insurance, Pension plan, 401k, Clothing Allowance, Paid time off, Holidays, Education Assistance and MORE!_
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Agtegra Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer._


Job Type: Full-time