Grain Merchandiser

PURPOSE

As a Grain Merchandiser at Central Valley Ag, you will help manage the pricing, movement, risk, and sale of grain across CVA’s trade territory. This role supports CVA’s grain sales and origination strategy while helping ensure grain is bought, sold, moved, and margined in a way that supports CVA’s overall position.

This position connects producer origination, end-user demand, market movement, freight and logistics, basis and futures risk, customer relationships, contract execution, and profit management. You will work closely with grain origination, location teams, operations, accounting, producers, end users, and other commercial partners to support timely, well-informed grain decisions.

This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys the commercial side of agriculture, communicates well with internal and external customers, and can balance timely action with sound risk discipline.

• Assists in developing and executing strategy for grain sales and origination throughout Central Valley Ag’s trade territory.
• Provides market support and guidance to internal and external customers, location managers, grain origination, operations teams, and other key personnel.
• Supports the selling and placement of grain in a way that aligns with CVA’s overall grain position, customer commitments, and margin goals.
• Analyzes, executes, and follows up on pricing and supply strategies to end users.
• Determines freight spreads, railcar costs, fuel surcharges, and other logistics variables. Incorporates these variables into price discovery processes.
• Manages futures and basis risk in accordance with company risk policy.
• Uses market information, basis, futures, freight, logistics, customer demand, and internal position knowledge to support grain merchandising decisions.
• Provides monthly profit and loss estimates.
• Develops and maintains customer relationships, knowledge, and insights for the purpose of driving strong margins.
• Expands the customer base and sales markets where appropriate.
• Originates grain through direct producer contact as needed.
• Stays abreast of market trends, Central Valley Ag’s credit policy, competitor practices, customer behavior, freight conditions, and end-user demand.
• Researches and prepares analysis to respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely, professional, and thorough manner.
• Works with grain origination, location managers, operations, accounting, and other internal teams to support accurate contracts, timely movement, customer service, and strong execution.
• Communicates with producers, end users, commercial customers, internal teams, and external partners in a professional and timely manner.
• Deals, negotiates, and resolves customer claims.
• Demonstrates understanding of grain accounting, grain contracts, settlement activity, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Helps identify opportunities for improved margin, stronger customer service, better grain movement, and more effective internal coordination.
• Works in a way that demonstrates safety is a priority and promotes a work environment that is safe for everyone.
• Demonstrates the highest ethical standard; our word is our bond.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

None.

This role does not directly supervise employees, but it does require leadership through communication, coordination, judgment, and follow-through. The Grain Merchandiser is expected to work effectively across departments and help align internal and external partners around grain movement, pricing, risk, and customer commitments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field required.
• Proven background in profitably purchasing grain from farmers and commercial elevators required.
• Clear understanding of grain marketing, including hedging, basis analysis, and flat pricing grain required.
• Demonstrates understanding of grain accounting and contract recordkeeping required.
• Demonstrates leadership skills and solid business profit management experience required.
• Proven results and sustained growth in sales and market share.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner and…