Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Farm Grain Buyer to join our team at Cefetra Grain. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and expanding existing farmer customer contacts, negotiating contracts for the purchase of farm grain and oilseeds, and selling fertiliser, seed, and specialist crop contracts.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and support farmer suppliers in line with Cefetra Grain's values of integrity, customer focus, and expertise.
* Buy grain, oilseeds, and pulses from farmer customers, both established and new.
* Negotiate purchase contracts within the price range and terms established by Cefetra grain traders and the company.
* Sell fertiliser, seed, and specialist crop contracts.
* Plan and manage work time to maximise contact with existing and potential customers.
* Use business information and technical knowledge to maximise the potential of each customer.
* Respond and follow up on sales enquiries using appropriate methods.
* Sustain and develop business relationships with existing and potential customers to facilitate the growth and development of the Cefetra business across the UK.
* Work as part of the Farm Grain Buying team, encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
* Monitor and report on market activities accurately and in a timely manner using in-house systems.
* Gather and feedback any market or competitor information to Managers and Commodity Traders.
* Keep up to date with competitor activity and information and report on as appropriate.
* Ensure all reporting is submitted to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
* Document and manage product and service problems raised by farmer customers.
* Prepare and agree an annual business plan for each crop year.
* Coordinate the sampling and testing of commodities for purchase.
Requirements
* Demonstrates a high degree of commercial awareness.
* High levels of verbal and numerical reasoning ability.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with impact at all levels.
* Attention to detail even when working to challenging deadlines.
* Good IT skills, including intermediate Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills.
* Excellent organisational skills, including prioritising workloads, meeting deadlines, and managing a varied workload in a busy environment.
* The ability to develop effective and supportive relationships with customers and colleagues.
* Experience of working in an arable farming environment.
* Experience of working in a commercial sales environment.
* Experience of managing an active customer base.
* Understanding of farming and the countryside.
Working Conditions
The job will be office-based, with visits to farmers/growers expected on a regular basis.