Eastern Rail Trader

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 is responsible for the origination of and logistics coordination of rail grains and oilseeds into LDC’s export terminals, river terminals and processing assets. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions 

• Gather news, statistics and information related to individual commodity supply and demand from customers and trade sources, and distribute that information to the remainder of the group to support overall strategic trading/positioning (i.e., contributes to research function).  

• Proposes and take new SE rail trade opportunities based on collected information. 

• Stay abreast of market developments, ensuring timely group updates & interpretation of market data  

• Use historical information to analyze pricing trends and project forward market pricing outlook 

• Engages in trade and balance sheet discussions around premium and flat price positions 

• Ensure positions are accurately reported and daily P&L’s tie out  

• Works closely with Burns Harbor, Export Group, and ethanol group to define origination strategy & ensure regional alignment   

• Active participant in discussion around US corn premium positioning. 

• Manage the implementation & execution of the US corn premium/basis strategy with a focus on Southeast flows. 

• Receives rail applications from third parties and manages the trains timely billing to destinations.  

• Responsible for billing of all trains, internal or third party, or determining designated billing party if LDC does not bill the train.  

• Communicate with country rail terminals daily with goal of buying and increasing grain purchases. 

• Devise and execute origination strategies for commodities. 

• Works to achieve “last right of refusal” relationships with various Co-ops and commercials elevators 

• Compose regular market wires, position updates and strategy plans. 

• Build and strengthen long term relationships with customer base, attending industry sponsored events and customer visits. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Ensure contracts are entered and fills/ settlements are completed timely.  

• Works with execution, and A/P group to ensure prompt payment of invoices.  Assists in the resolution of execution questions.  

Education:

Basic qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s Degree  

Preferred qualifications:   

• Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agriculture Business or related degree 

Experience 

The following are required:  

• 5+ years of experience in an agribusiness firm in a merchandising or trading capacity 

• Thorough understanding of grain markets, basis trading and rail logistics  

• Three or more years of direct position ownership & experience with logistics management  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) 

Basic qualifications: 

• Demonstrated strong negotiating skills and commercial understanding combined with the right commercial attitude and results orientation 

• Capability to consolidate global and domestic market drivers into a point of view and executable trading strategy 

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to select relevant information from a flow of information (distinction between main and side issues) 

• Demonstrated ability to manage trading risks 

• Knowledge of demurrage/despatch concepts  

• Familiarity with current commodity transportation issues 

• Proficiency with MS Excel, database administration and online systems/websites 

• Knowledge of fundamentals of grain accounting, basis/flat price trading and futures markets 

• Knowledge/Ability to set up accruals for freight, costs, demurrage, etc. 

• Strong organization skills & the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines 

• Thorough knowledge of futures markets, hedging and arbitrage 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Must be a motivated self-starter 

Preferred qualifications:   

• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines. 

• Experience utilizing and reviewing reports within Power BI. 
   

Equipment Used 

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

Working Conditions 

• Typical climate-controlled office environment.  Extensions of regular working hour are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects, attend training or to respond to emergencies which may include weekends. 

Employee Supervision 

• May lead or supervise a few junior merchandising staff members.  
   

Decision Making/Accountability 

• Prioritizes work schedule to meet deadlines and continuously adjusts priorities to resolve unexpected issues; processes a variety of information and data to devise and execute trading strategies; negotiates with trade counterparts to maximize corporate returns; advises and recommends trading strategies, assesses risk pertaining to buying and selling and negotiates contract terms with clients; consults with supervisor regarding unusual problems or occurrences.   

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