Soybean Origination Manager

About the role

As the Soybean Origination Manager, you will lead the soybean procurement strategy for one of Ohio's largest soybean processing facilities, overseeing the purchase of more than 55 million bushels annually. This highly visible leadership role involves building and strengthening relationships with local growers, guiding a team of origination professionals, and using market insights and data-driven strategies to drive business growth, supplier engagement, and long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement the producer direct origination strategy for the Upper Sandusky soybean processing plant.
• Drive a farmer-centric origination model to promote supplier retention and producer direct flows.
• Foster the use of CRM, Power-BI, and other analytics tools to capture, quantify, and qualify grower data.
• Utilize analytics tools to drive origination strategy and identify supplier-specific opportunities.
• Coordinate with the regional team to define bid structure based on market dynamics.
• Identify opportunities to participate in specialty and compliance markets to maximize company returns.
• Support the region’s regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing initiatives.
• Develop and foster relationships with suppliers and customers to expand market opportunities.
• Lead the local origination and administrative team and drive the team’s professional development.
• Communicate commercial priorities on grain receiving and product load outs with the industry group.
• Distribute daily/weekly market wires to the regional group recapping relevant trade highlights.
• Actively participate in regularly scheduled market calls, internal market chats, and balance sheet discussions.
• Ensure the team’s timely entry of trades into the position management system and validate daily positions and P&Ls.
• Assist in business analysis for internal and external implementation.
• Provide regular performance feedback to direct reports, ensuring individuals are rewarded for performance.
• Enhance LDC’s brand awareness in the local area through community engagement and outreach.
• Actively support the Company’s Safety, Health, and Environmental systems and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with NGFA trade rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or other business discipline.
• 5-7 years of experience in the Grains and Oilseeds industry in origination management, merchandising, and trading.
• Prior experience managing a small team and experience in an operations and industrial capacity.
• Thorough understanding of position management.

Skills

• Knowledgeable in current policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting the business.
• Builds appropriate rapport with the team using diplomacy and tact.
• Capable of defusing high-tension situations comfortably.
• Negotiates skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups while gaining trust of counterparts.
• Steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
• Communicates clearly in both verbal and written form and can set clear direction and stretch goals for the team.
• Maintains two-way dialog with others on work and results.
• Monitors workloads and recognizes and easily expresses appreciation for extra effort.
• Constructs compelling developmental plans and assists in their execution.
• Clearly and comfortably delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions to individuals and teams.
• Shares wins and successes and creates a team atmosphere.
• Proficient with spreadsheets, word-processing software, and web-based applications (e.g., MS Office Suite, SharePoint).
• Must be able to periodically work outdoors and lift small objects.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• 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).

Additional Information

Direct supervision of the local origination team focused on producer direct engagement. The position is accountable for the supervision of the local commercial, logistics, and clerical office staff. Occasional travel is required.