Broker Assistant III – MID-CO COMMODITIES, INC. – Western Region

 MID-CO COMMODITIES, headquartered in Bloomington, Ill., offers professional price-risk management services for all agricultural commodities. MID-CO employees are experienced commodity risk consultants providing constant analysis of both technical and fundamental dynamics of the futures market. MID-CO has 30 branch offices in Illinois and Iowa. MID-CO COMMODITIES is part of the GROWMARK System, a regional agriculture cooperative serving more than 250,000 customers across North America.  PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT Responsible for assisting with the processing of orders and customer information to and from MID-CO s clearing brokers and MID-CO s Commodity Risk Consultants.  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Provides leadership and training to the Broker Assistant II position and Broker Assistant I and other back office personnel as needed. Assists Commodity Risk Consultants with collection and presentation of market research and with reporting of daily market commentary as needed. Assists Commodity Risk Consultants with developing marketing and merchandising strategy and recommendations for member cooperatives. Evaluates and takes appropriate action to correct order placement errors. Assists in performing responsibilities of one or more back office positions.   Provides order entry technical support to internal & external customers. Assists in coordination of online order entry program for commercial customers. Dispatches and records orders with clearing brokers via electronic order entry system and by phone. Monitors status of working orders and conducts appropriate order checks and verifications with clearing brokers as necessary.  Administers the margin calls program for commercial accounts. Monitors longs , open orders, & important industry trading dates and communicates with customers and MID-CO staff as necessary. Reconciles and records daily trade activity. Prepares forms & correspondence pertaining to inbound wire transfers and checks received for payment of margin requirements. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Follows GROWMARK s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. Performs all other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS Normally requires a bachelor s degree in agricultural economics or marketing-related area or equivalent and related experience in agricultural marketing, the ability to assist with grain marketing research and reporting, and the ability to learn grain marketing and merchandising strategies and recommendations for member cooperatives. Licensed as an AP with the NFA or able to pass the NASD series 3 commodities exam within 1 year of assuming position.Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development. Understanding and experience with agricultural marketing-related areas including marketing and merchandising strategy and recommendations, market information, conditions and trends along with order placement-related activities including dispatching, margin calls, daily trades, reconciliations, and other control functions along with analysis and problem-solving skills. Proven leadership skills and the ability to achieve results through others. Proven professional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Demonstrated planning and organizational skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions, prioritize work, and deal with deadlines. Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.  Proven computer skills in using Microsoft Office software, especially Excel and the ability to learn software tools for business and accounting processes. Ability to work hours other than those considered normal . Proven attention to detail skills. Must have and maintain a valid driver s license and a satisfactory driving record. Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.GROWMARK, Inc. strives to provide a Total Rewards package that delivers exceptional pay for exceptional performance, recognizes your dedication to our mission and helps us attract and retain the highest caliber of talent. The cornerstone of our benefits package is the company paid, defined benefit pension plan along with health and disability insurance, an employer matched 401k plan, and other voluntary group benefit programs.We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law. Skills: