Senior Merchandising Assistant

Overview

Upper Sandusky, OH, United States of America

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines. We leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

This position will work closely with local management to perform and oversee the clerical, logistical, and accounting functions for the farmer soybean deliveries as well as for the general office management at the oilseed facility. This individual will also be one of the primary contacts with the accounting, execution, and operations departments in the Kansas City office.

• Complete ticket applications, preparation of farmer reports, contract entry, contract pricings, etc.
• Ensure purchase and sales contracts, contract pricings, and amendments are correctly input into CINCH.
• Complete daily position reporting to Kansas City office.
• Assist with the reconciliation of the daily position record for the assigned location.
• Manage all required documentation (tickets, bill of lading, weight certificates, grade certificates, settlements, checks) in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Provide telephone reception support for incoming calls on multiple lines; greet visitors and respond to questions in a professional manner or refer them as appropriate; direct traffic flow through office.
• Act as intermediary between third party associate groups and facility.
• Supervise and lead local Merchandising Assistants; provide regular feedback to direct reports.
• Assist in the contract management of soybean meal, soy hulls, soy hull pellets, soybean oil, scrap, etc.
• Communicate with customers to resolve payments and document discrepancies.
• Resolve contract and unload ticket discrepancies.
• Provide direction on ticket application, settlement, and payment daily.
• Troubleshoot application and settlement problems with customers.
• Assist customers with split payments and settlement review and direct deposit account setup.
• Manage the new counter party setup process.
• Add new customers into EBX system.
• Order, purchase, maintain office supplies (including maintenance and operational supplies) and monitor and maintain adequate control over inventory.
• Assist to maintain clean office environment, light housekeeping.

• Assist and process Human Resources transactions as assigned.
• Accepts, carries out, and completes other various duties and assignments which may not be listed above.

• High school diploma/GED

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, with coursework related to maritime and/or industrial management, including accounting, agriculture, or economics.
• Experience:
  
  a minimum of one year in an office setting relating to accounting, clerical duties, or customer service; at least one year of experience using Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with software platforms such as EBX; two years of execution / sales support experience within the agriculture industry, biofuels, or similar field; knowledge of agriculture or industrial operations and management; knowledge and/or experience with customer service.

• Strong practical accounting, analytical and organizational skills; attention to detail to reduce errors in the settlement process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable talking on the phone with customers and truck drivers.
• Positive attitude, self-motivated.
• Ability to read and analyze communications, submissions, requests, and reports; prioritize and distribute to proper individuals and/or process as necessary.
• Ability to listen and respond appropriately to information presented verbally, electronically, or otherwise.
• Ability to recognize issues and determine relevance.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Excel and MS Word) and ability to explain, teach, and mentor others with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize workload.
• Ability to occasionally commute to other Company offices/locations as needed.
• Willingness to be trained/educated to become familiar with basic IT functions, systems, equipment, and connections.

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, scan/fax machine.
• Where appropriate, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn in compliance with Company standards and governmental regulations.

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment with periodic visits to operational areas; exposure to a variety of temperatures and weather conditions; occasional exposure to dust, odors, gases, vapors, wet or slick surfaces and loud…