Business Operations Partner

United Grain is currently hiring a Full-Time Business Operations Partner to work at our grain elevator located in Pendleton, Oregon. Successful candidates will have a degree in agriculture or business, or equivalent work experience, and education will also be considered. Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experience in basis/cash merchandising and basic knowledge of hedging grain with futures. Proven interpersonal skills, team-oriented approach, and exceptional negotiation skills required. The ability to communicate and work effectively with Producers daily.

About United Grain

For more than 55 years, United Grain Corporation (UGC) has ensured success for all by uniting our producers, suppliers, and customers to nourish the world safely and reliably. As the premier bulk grain exporter and supply chain management company, we deliver high-quality products to global customers, backed by superior service from our headquarters in Vancouver, Washington. Our Vancouver Export Terminal boasts the largest storage capacity on the U.S. West Coast, with additional grain terminals across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and the Dakotas. We pride ourselves on the relationships we’ve forged throughout the years, which help ensure unwavering value for our community for decades to come. At United Grain, our employees are our most valuable asset and part of the UGC family. For more information, visit www.unitedgrain.com.

WHAT UGC CAN OFFER YOU IN THIS POSITION SALARY: $81,732-$123,000

BENEFITS:

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the development and retention of relationships with Producers. The objective is to develop strong relationships, so producers view UGC as a vendor of choice. In partnership with CTO Managers and Regional Marketing Partner/Merchandisers, they will develop plans and set goals to build relationships for the origination of grains and oilseeds that will increase throughput and maximize output. To provide value beyond just the purchase of grain and oilseed, develop market plans with producers utilizing UGC marketing tools and programs, and lead market outlook and other meetings multiple times a year that promote UGC marketing and logistical services with local farmers and farm groups. They will use purchase negotiation and contracting, logistics management involved in the origination and to ensure the successful delivery of purchased grain to the Elevators and any other pile locations or satellite facilities. The position will require support from and regular communication with the Regional Marketing Partner and Merchandising staff to develop purchasing strategies and provide continuous local market information and intelligence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with CTO Manager and Regional Marketing Partner/Merchandisers to grow the business in their specific territory
• Interacts with key customer accounts and maintains ongoing and regular communications with customers to enhance relationships and customer service throughout the marketing process
• Works to increase customer reliance on UGC
• Manages local origination programs including marketing and outlook meetings multiple times a year
• Analyzes and forecasts regional market trends, and competitor activities, assessing marketing strategies and programs to capitalize on identified opportunities
• Maintains UGC’s web marketing program for the local market
• Contributes with Regional Marketing Partner and Merchandisers, in developing and implementing origination strategies that will grow grain handling volumes
• Maintains contact notes that are accessible to the Merchandising team and Regional Marketing Partner and Operations staff.
• Coordinates with the Regional Operations Manager to support staff logistics and internal grain movements within the region.
• Serves as backup for grain settlements and other CTO location operational duties such as truck receiving (weighing, probing, and dumping trucks), and various duties assigned with loading shuttle trains.
• Leads seasonal labor recruitment and hiring to provide timely onboarding and support for the harvest season.
• Hours and duties will be varied depending on harvest, train schedule, and staff relief.
• Other duties as identified and assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Four-year degree in agriculture or business is required but equivalent work experience and education will be considered.
• Minimum two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in basis/cash merchandising and basic knowledge of hedging grain with futures.
• Proven interpersonal skills; must support a team-oriented approach within the immediate facility for United Grain Corporation.
• Exceptional negotiation skills required.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with Producers daily.

Physical Demands and Requirements

• Must be computer literate with proven ability in the use of spreadsheets, databases, and word-processing software applications within a Windows-based operating environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to negotiate, assess risk, and exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Must be able to make decisions and work independently; be detail-oriented with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Flexible with work hours - must be prepared to receive phone calls and respond to company-related needs at irregular times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Expressing or exchanging ideas in English using the spoken word to impart verbal information to customers, and the public, and convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• This position can be physically strenuous on occasion. You may be expected to be able to work in tight and confined spaces, walk, climb, bend, kneel, lift, grip, grasp, push, and pull various tools and equipment. May be required to ride a belt lift and occasionally work at significant heights with requisite balance and equilibrium. Ability to frequently lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally more. This job will require the ability to ascend/descend ladders.
• Personal protective equipment, including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, and respiratory protection and ear protection are required.
• Requires the ability to read and comprehend written and verbal operational and safety instructions and related rules, policies, and memos, and communicate clearly with your coworkers and supervisors.
• Vision permits close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. When grading grain, the ability to identify and distinguish colors is also important.
• Ability to detect odors and the ability to understand and discern safety warning systems.
• This is a physical job at times that includes both indoor and outdoor work in all types of weather and temperature environments. The job includes working in and around grain dust when needed.

United Grain Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran, a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.