At Ridley, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. For over 30 years, Ridley has been a cornerstone of Australian agriculture, committed to delivering high-quality products while cultivating a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our Merchandising team plays a pivotal role in sourcing and managing risks associated with obtaining and supplying feed ingredients for our extensive manufacturing base. We ensure continuity of supply and generate maximum value with our supply partners while managing all sourcing risks.
What's on offer?
We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Grower Merchant to join our team. This position is key to leading and managing relationships with grain growers and trading grain to supply Ridley's Bulk Stockfeed operations. Within a defined region, the Grower Merchant will be responsible for procurement, relationship management, contract administration, and market communication to support our operations and optimize grain supply.
In return for your skills and commitment, Ridley offers a supportive team environment, great culture and excellent benefits including:
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Competitive salary packages and employment conditions
- Salary continuance insurance
- Employee Share Scheme
- Corporate health plan with BUPA Health Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Key Accountabilities:
- Procurement and Relationship Management: Lead procurement efforts and manage relationships with grain growers, producers, and their representatives within a defined region.
- Market Communication: Effectively communicate Ridley's bids to the market at country BHC receival sites, ex-farm, or delivered mill locations.
- Contract Administration: Oversee the administration and execution of grain grower contracts.
- Reporting: Provide regular reports on local grower planting intentions, crop development, quality, emerging trends, harvest activity, and selling behaviour.
- Strategy Development: Assist in developing procurement strategies and increasing Ridley's local capability to strategically procure grain.
- Representation: Represent Ridley at regional and industry events, including field days, crop walks, advisory updates, and silo meetings.
- Competitor Analysis: Supply competitor pricing and regional activity information to Ridley's Merchandise team.
- Optimization: Optimize commodity and raw material purchases with consideration of quality, reliability, and urgency.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across the end-to-end supply chain.
Key Skills and Attributes:
- Sound knowledge of the Australian grain industry, international grain markets, and raw material requirements.
- Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, business, or a similar discipline.
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
- Strong analysis and data management skills with attention to detail.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
- Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, business, or a similar discipline.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive, can-do attitude.
Desirable:
- Experience in a merchandising role within the Agricultural industry.
- Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning systems.
- Previous experience working in the merchandising function within the Agricultural industry.
Apply Now:
If you are passionate about agriculture, have a knack for building relationships, and thrive in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Ridley. To apply please visit https://www.ridley.com.au/careers/ and submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and explaining why you are an ideal fit for this role.
Open to applicants with Australian unrestricted work rights. Ridley is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees
There are big advantages that come with Ridley being Australia's largest and leading animal nutrition company. These include opportunities to move and grow within the business and also extends to having the right tools and resources to get the job done.
We are focused on working with, and attracting the best talent, not just in Australia, but in the world. Ridley prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer.
