Overview:

Commodity Procurement/Merchandisers oversee companies commodities and are responsible for trading, purchasing, locating, and customer accounts for each commodity.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Collaborate between feed formulators and plant managers to provide lowest cost options for all feeds, feed ingredients and feed products
• Point of contact for suppliers and external market consultants and resources
• Support the Commodities group by negotiating cost saving initiatives and cost mitigation efforts
• Determines strategic supply objectives using tools and reports for decision making around products and commodity purchases
• Assesses supply base and negotiates best cost structure
• Identifies and develop a reliable and effective base of qualified suppliers
• Takes action to address supplier pricing and/or delivery issues; advises management of market conditions and supply base activity which presents significant risk or needs to be elevated to management’s attention
• Drive continuous supplier quality improvement through participating in rapid improvement events, supplier quality audits, training and certifications as required
• May be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing inter-departmental projects to achieve company initiatives
• Maintain complete updated purchasing records/data and pricing in company system
• Execution and monitoring of all regular purchasing duties
• Coordinate with user departments and suppliers in the purchasing scope of work for projects assigned
• Monitor and co-ordinate deliveries of items between suppliers to ensure that all items are delivered to site/plant on time , select and negotiate for the best purchase package in terms of quality, price, terms, deliveries and services with suppliers
• Plan and manage inventory levels of materials or products
• Monitor and co-ordinate deliveries of items between suppliers

What education and training is required?

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, or Finance.

To pursue a career in Commodity Procurement/Merchandising:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, science and mathematics.

Typical Employers:

 Integrated animal production companies, seed/fertilizer/chemical dealers/producers, food production companies, cooperatives and elevator companies.

Future Job Market/Outlook:

The future outlook for Commodity Procurement/Merchandisers is projected to be excellent.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:

• American Soybean Association
• National Corn Growers Association
• National Grain and Feed Association
• Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council