Merchandising Operations Associate

Merchandising Operations AssociateThis position supports the merchandising department at the Claypool, IN office of a privately held firm engaged in the international trading and merchandising of agricultural commodities and biofuels. The role is responsible for performing a variety of reporting and customer service functions that ensure smooth operations and effective communication. Key responsibilities include contacting customers to obtain required documentation, coordinating with brokers to gather critical information, screening incoming calls for the merchandising team, and addressing customer service issues with professionalism and discretion. The position plays an essential role in maintaining accurate records, fostering positive client relationships, and supporting the department's overall efficiency.Primary responsibilities include:Contract Management: Enter sales contracts and amendments for soybean meal and soy hull pellets into the Front Office System with accuracy and timeliness.Data Accuracy: Validate and ensure correctness of data provided by Merchandisers, serving as the first checkpoint for reasonableness and accuracy.Production Reporting: Enter and verify data in the Daily Production Report to maintain reliable operational records.Claims Processing: Handle and process soybean meal claims promptly and accurately.Railcar Fleet Management: Organize and manage the lease car fleet, including ordering cars with the NS railroad, billing railcars, and invoicing customers for lease car demurrage.Weekend Availability: Perform occasional weekend work as required to support business needsAdditional responsibilities include:Invoicing: Prepare and issue invoices to customers for soybean meal and soy hull pellets.Accounts Receivable Support: Assist Merchandisers with resolving Accounts Receivable issues to maintain healthy cash flow.ACH Transactions: Approve weekly ACH withdrawals for customers and provide reminders via phone or email.Customer Communication: Maintain professional communication with customers and brokers to obtain necessary documents and information.Data Reporting: Prepare and maintain various spreadsheets summarizing contract and delivery data for the Merchandising desk to support accurate reporting and decision-making.Facility Support: Provide operational and administrative support for the launch and ongoing activities of a new facility in Ohio, ensuring smooth integration with existing processes.Team Backup: Serve as backup for Merchandising Assistants as needed to maintain continuity and support departmental operations.Cross-Functional Liaison: Act as a liaison between the Merchandising desk and execution and logistics areas of the office to ensure seamless coordination and communication.Basic qualifications:High School Diploma/GEDValid Driver's LicensePreferred qualifications:Associates Degree or higherOne year experience in an office environment of an agricultural commodities company.Basic knowledge/skills/abilities:Strong practical accounting, analytical and organizational skills.Strong verbal and written communications skills.Strong documentation skills.Knowledge and interpretation of Position reporting.Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software, (e.g., Excel and MS Word).Preferred knowledge/skills/abilities: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.Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet strict daily deadlines.Equipment used:Typical office equipment: PC, telephone, fax machine.Working conditions:This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.Periodic visits to industrial operations areas are necessary with exposure to variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions.Fast paced, trading floor environment.Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.Decision making/accountability:Handle and report customer issues or questions concerning purchasing and/or sales as directed by 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, priorities personal workload throughout the day to ensure meeting of deadlines.What we offer: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: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.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