Merchandising Assistant

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.

This position performs various position reporting and customer service-related functions for the merchandising department in the Kansas City, MO office.  The position duties will include calling customers to obtain documents, calling brokers to obtain information, contract entry, validation and pricings for the G&O platform. This position provides logistical support to merchandisers and other customer service functions that require discretion.  

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

• Contract entry, pricing, and data validation.  
• Provide logistical support for the Merchandising desk to include tracing barges / railcars, monitoring shipments and cycle times, invoicing demurrage and compiling and producing required logistical documentation with strict deadlines in a fast-paced trading environment.    

• Perform customer service duties for the Merchandising desk including calling customers and brokers to obtain information and documents.  
• Process billing for barges / railcars, which may occur after business hours. Assist with other commodities and modes of transport as needed.  

• Prepare various spreadsheets to summarize the contract and delivery data for the Merchandising desk. 

• Assure accuracy and timeliness of data taken for Merchandisers along with being the first check for reasonableness of accuracy received. 
• Assist Merchandisers with Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable issues. 
• Share duties within the team and collaborate with other groups.  

Additional Responsibilities 

• Serve as a liaison between the Merchandising desk and execution and logistics areas of the office.    

• Complete other duties as assigned. 

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses 

Required qualification: 

• High school diploma/GED, or equivalent work experience 

Preferred qualification 

• Bachelor’s degree in business related discipline 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) 

Basic qualifications: 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet strict daily deadlines.   
• Strong practical accounting, analytical and organizational skills. 
• Strong verbal and written communications skills. 
• Strong documentation skills. 
• Ability to maintain a collaborative perspective working with a variety of personnel. 
• Ability to adapt to timelines and varying responsibilities to support team needs. 
• Knowledge and interpretation of position reporting. 
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word).  

Preferred qualifications: 

• Knowledge of grain industry practices, terminology and settlement process. 
• Careful attention to detail. 
• Ability to work in an active and fast-paced department. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, prioritizing multiple tasks. 

Experience 

Basic qualification:  

• Two (2) years of execution / sales support experience within the Grain industry, Biofuels or similar field.  
• In lieu of relevant experience, the preferred educational requirement would be accepted. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Two (2) years of experience as a Merchandising Assistant, Settlements Associate, or Accounting Associate  within the Grain industry.   

Equipment Used 

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax machine. 

Working Conditions 

• Fast paced, trading floor environment. 
  Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations. 
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel. 
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Employee Supervision 

• No supervisory responsibilities.   

Decision Making/Accountability 

• Handle and report customer issues or questions concerning purchasing and/or sales as directed by Kansas City Management.  Directly accountable for the accuracy of data collected, understanding and interpretation of Position reports, ensures integrity of data reported, reports produced without supervision, identifies data discrepancy issues, determines responsible parties and follows issues through to resolution.  Inaccurate position data or data reported to Merchandisers can result in significant financial losses to the Company. Prioritize personal workload throughout the day to ensure meeting of deadlines. 

Company Conformance Statements 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: 

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. 
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public. 
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company. 
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy. 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us