Starch Trader

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

This position is responsible for specifically developing trading strategies for bi-products as related to our canola processing and pea protein isolate manufacturing, which is canola meal and starch respectively. This role will also support with all other canola oil trading strategies focused on maximizing the return, as well as making recommendations and executions of premium and future trade strategies and assistance to origination strategies.    The primary markets of these bi-products include but are not limited to pet foods and feed markets. Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop canola meal and starch and related strategies to maximize realized commercial margin of LDC’s Canadian production assets.
• Develop and manage a starch trading book and P&L
• Manage commercial relationships with various starch users in feed, pet food and industrial usage applications, mainly -but not exclusively – focused on Canada and US flows.
• Represent LDC within key industry organizations to protect and advance LDC’s strategic interests in the starch ingredients sector.
• Guide local commercial team in developing merchandising strategy for starch sourcing and starch product sales linked to LDC’s processing footprint.
• Works with the origination team and digital teams to assist in development and use of a functional & user-friendly CRM to enhance merchandising & risk management.
• Co-ordinate global discussion on starch and actively contribute to cross-product line strategy discussions.
• Facilitate preparation and review of the starch balance sheet (supply/demand, industrial use, exports).
• Conduct market research and data analysis on national and international starch trading trends, as well as maintain deep understanding of relevant trends, issues or opportunities within the market which could impact trading.
• Mentor developing talent through 1:1 engagement and regular group post-close market discussions.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Finance, or another related discipline is required
• 5 or more years of work experience in an agribusiness firm, ideally within starch markets and/or pet food industry
• 5 or more years of work experience in commodity trading
• 3 or more years of work experience in a supervisory or management role
• Profitable oilseeds complex trading history (physical & futures) 
• Solid understanding of balance sheet analysis, position management & P&L reporting
• Strong working knowledge of delivery economics and the concept of cash convergence  
• Creative and ambitious, with a knowledge and confidence to reach to new customers for opportunities for starch replacements
• Demonstrated strong negotiating skills and commercial understanding combined with the right commercial attitude and results orientation
• Capability to consolidate global and domestic market drivers into a point of view and executable trading strategy
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to select relevant information from a flow of information (distinction between main and side issues)
• Able to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, logistics contacts, to name a few.
• Demonstrated ability to manage trading risks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Excel for preparation and analysis of data, Powerpoint for presentation preparations), database administration and online systems/websites
• Knowledge of fundamentals of grain accounting, basis/flat price trading and futures markets
• Must have good negotiating skills and understand how to leverage opportunities
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel and MS Word).
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

 

 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and dental coverage, employee and family assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage

- Retirement Savings Plan with Employer contributions and matching

- Paid vacation, paid sick time and paid statutory holidays

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us