About the role#
As a Merchandiser Intern at POET, you will join our grain operations team for the Summer 2027 term. You will work directly with farmers and commercial grain companies to secure grain supplies. This position involves building customer relationships, analyzing local market conditions, and managing grain contracts. You will operate from our Shelbyville, Indiana facility.
What you'll do#
- Purchase grain supplies from producers and commercial accounts.
- Identify new customers through phone outreach and farm visits.
- Explain market information, grain contracts, and marketing alternatives to customers.
- Manage the customer database and perform supply and demand analytics.
- Monitor market conditions and price competitiveness to ensure optimal purchasing.
- Initiate and verify the accuracy of grain contracts.
- Hedge grain purchases according to company policies.
- Update grain bids daily across web pages, apps, and phone lines.
- Handle clerical duties related to grain origination.
- Promote a culture of safety and environmental compliance.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor degree program for Agriculture, Business Administration, or Economics.
- Understanding of or the ability to learn CBOT futures markets, market factors, basis levels, and freight spreads.
- Ability to learn grain receiving and grading procedures.
- Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new software.
- Personal integrity, objective thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and within a team.
- Capacity to travel to visit producers and attend meetings, including occasional overnight stays.
Location & details#
- Location: Shelbyville, Indiana.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Status: Paid internship.
About POET
POET produces biofuel and sustainable bioproducts from plant-based materials. The company operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states. It employs 1,958 people and maintains headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The organization holds over 140 patents in biotechnology.
How to get in at POET
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