Senior 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.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

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. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Complete ticket applications, preparation of farmer reports, contract entry, contract pricings, etc.
• Ensures purchase and sales contracts, contract pricings, and amendments are correctly input into CINCH.
• Complete daily position reporting to Kansas City office.
• Assists with the reconciliation of the daily position record for the assigned location.
• Manages all required documentation (tickets, bill of lading, weight certificates, grade certificates, settlements, checks) in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Provides telephone reception support for incoming calls on multiple lines; greets visitors and responds to questions in a professional manner or refers them as appropriate; directs traffic flow through office.
• Acts as intermediary between third party associate groups and facility.
• Supervises and leads local Merchandising Assistants; providing regular feedback to direct reports.
• Assists in the contract management of soybean meal, soy hulls, soy hull pellets, soybean oil, scrap, etc.
• Communicates with customers to resolve payments, and document discrepancies.
• Resolve contract and unload ticket discrepancies.
• Provides direction on ticket application, settlement, and payment daily.
• Troubleshoots application and settlement problems with customers.
• Assists customers with split payments and settlement review and direct deposit account setup.
• Manages the new counter party setup process.
• Adds new customers into EBX system.
• Orders, purchases, maintains office supplies (including maintenance and operational supplies as well) and monitors and maintains adequate and appropriate control over inventory.
• Assists to maintain clean office environment, light housekeeping.

Additional Responsibilities:

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

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.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualifications: 

• High school diploma/GED

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with course curriculum pertaining to maritime and/or industrial management, including accounting, agriculture, or economics.

Experience

Basic qualifications: 

• A minimum of one year of experience in an office setting relating to accounting, clerical office duties, or customer service responsibilities.
• At least one year of experience using Microsoft Excel
• Prior experience using Microsoft Teams files, messaging, meetings, etc.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with the following software platforms: 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
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications: 

• Strong practical accounting, analytical and organizational skills. Attention to detail is critical to reduce error in the settlement process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, must feel comfortable talking on the phone to customers and truck drivers
• Positive attitude, self-motivated
• Ability to read and analyze incoming communications, submissions, requests, and reports to determine their significance, prioritize and distribute to proper individuals and/or process as necessary
• Ability to listen and to understand information and ideas presented verbally, electronically, or otherwise and respond or react appropriately
• Ability to recognize issues (or potential issues) and make determinations regarding their 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.
• Ability and willingness to be trained/educated to become generally familiar with basic IT type functions, systems, equipment, and connections

Equipment Used

• 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

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment with periodic visits to operational areas resulting in exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.  This may also result in occasional exposure to dust, odors, gases, vapors, wet or slick surfaces and loud noises. The extension of regular working hours is occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects, attend training or respond to emergencies. 

Decision Making/Accountability

• Provides assistance as directed by Manager. Consults with supervisor regarding complex issues as necessary but will be responsible for decisions and determinations regarding office related issues in the absence of the Manager.

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

• Is an active member of the facility SHE Program.  Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to.  Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner.  Ensures unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable.  

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status.

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