Grain Originator - Topflight Grain Cooperative - Lincoln, IL

About the role

Topflight Grain is seeking motivated, relationship-focused individuals to join our team as a Grain Originator / Branch Manager. This role combines customer service, grain merchandising support, grain accounting, and daily facility operations to help serve our producers and local communities. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building long-term relationships with farmers, working in agriculture, and being part of a fast-paced team environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting customer grain marketing needs while ensuring efficient and accurate grain handling and settlement operations.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective customers
• Provide excellent customer service and timely communication to patrons
• Maintain current grain market knowledge and communicate market information to customers
• Aid customers with grain contracts and available marketing options
• Purchase grain from patrons and maintain accurate contract documentation
• Prepare grain settlements and customer payments
• Operate grain scales and grain accounting systems
• Accurately process inbound and outbound grain tickets
• Test grain for moisture, test weight, foreign material, and damage
• Cook up and coordinate grain logistics and trucking activities with operations personnel
• Communicate daily with Elevator Superintendents and Operations Management regarding grain movement plans
• Monitor delayed price contracts and contract signature status
• Absorb and resolve customer concerns professionally and promptly
• Supervise and assist seasonal harvest employees
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment for employees, customers, and vendors

Qualifications

• Agriculture-related education or experience preferred
• Knowledge of the grain industry and grain handling practices preferred
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Basic computer proficiency required, including Microsoft Office
• Experience with grain accounting or scale systems such as Agris or OneWeigh preferred
• Valid Class D driver’s license required

Work Environment & Schedule

Primarily office-based with regular interaction in grain handling environments. Exposure to grain dust and seasonal harvest noise. Monday–Friday schedule with extended hours, weekends, holidays, and overtime during harvest seasons as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and handling/fingering activities
• Occasional climbing, bending, kneeling, and driving

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions. We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.