Grain Leadership Trainee

Founded in 1969, CGB Enterprises, Inc. is an innovative and progressive leader in the grain and transportation industries. Today, CGB operates over 100 locations with nearly 2,000 U.S. employees, overseeing a diverse family of businesses that provide services for producers and logistics for international customers. This role is designed to develop well-rounded leaders to drive successful business results within the Grain division.

About the role

The central responsibility of this role is to gain the business knowledge necessary for timely and capable decision-making, preparing you to assume a management/leadership role within the Grain division. Developmental opportunities may last up to 36 months and include classroom sessions, on-the-job training, computer-based training, and self-study projects. Training may occur in one or more market locations, with responsibilities across functional groups. Upon completion, candidates will demonstrate proficiency in commercial decision-making across a broad range of business functions, with direct input on personnel, financial decisions, construction projects, and daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Regularly review and analyze income statements to monitor business achievement and the effects of commercial decisions.
• Leverage facility capabilities to maximize efficiency and profitability, including directing daily work such as staffing, loading, receiving, and storage plans.
• Provide recommendations and strategies for business improvement to optimize hard and soft assets.
• Issue and execute cash contracts and grower agreements with a strong understanding of associated risks.
• Originate grain to drive profitability, increase sales, and establish rapport with existing and new customers.
• Develop and implement knowledge of risk positions and hedging mechanisms to maximize profit.
• Perform market research and establish opinions to inform local strategies in origination, operations, and trading.
• Leverage available resources to create revenue through grain and transportation positions.
• Independently negotiate price, quality specifications, and delivery details for cash grain and transportation contracts.
• Communicate market trends and information to regional staff to ensure timely and quality updates.
• Assist in preparing regular forecasts and budgets.
• Adopt and enforce the company’s safety culture, leading and directing safety programs at assigned facilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent training and work experience (preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Technical Systems Management).
• Experience leading a group of people (preferred).
• Knowledge of grain or bulk materials handling (preferred).
• Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with all levels within and outside the organization.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Leadership and managerial skills, including conflict management.
• Ability to relocate once training is finalized and ready for promotion.

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Physical demands vary by location and operational needs, with work environments ranging from indoor settings to outdoor conditions in heat, cold, wet, humid, dry, or arid climates.
• Ability to balance, bend, stoop, twist, crouch, crawl, kneel, and squat constantly or continuously.
• Frequent climbing of stairs, ladders, and working at significant heights.
• Constant concentration on tasks without distraction.
• Ability to distinguish grade, color, odor, and damage characteristics in grain samples, including recognizing specific odors using the nose.
• Frequent grasping and reaching, with the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. occasionally to continuously.
• Ability to meet requirements for and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), including passing PFT and fit testing where applicable.
• Ability to pass FRA and DOT testing for the position (where applicable).
• Ability to work in confined spaces and safely walk on barge surfaces, including working around deep or swift water.
• Constant standing and walking, with the ability to communicate verbally in person and over two-way radio, including recognizing emergency alarms.
• Ability to understand and communicate written instructions.
• Ability to safely walk on top of railcars, open gates, operate vibrators, and perform similar tasks where applicable.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and alternate shifts as needed.
• Ability to work in high-dust environments around grain and other bulk products (where applicable).
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Acute awareness of surroundings with the ability to quickly adjust to signals or changes in the environment.
• Use of near, far, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception, for tasks such as identifying grain issues.

Environmental Conditions

The role requires working both inside and outside in varying conditions, including heat, cold, wet, humid, and dry environments. Frequent use of personal protective equipment is required. Exposure to fumes, noxious odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation may occur, affecting the respiratory system, eyes, or skin. Travel is approximately 25%.

Pay

The expected base pay range for this role is $65,000.00. Actual pay offered may vary depending on work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant experience.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick).
• Wellness programs.
• Recognition programs.
• Community involvement opportunities.