Commodity Trading Associate

Job Description

About Cargill

Cargill is a global food, agricultural, and industrial giant with a purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. As a family-owned company, they operate in 70 countries with 160,000 colleagues, producing essential products that touch billions of lives daily. Their mission is to connect farmers with markets for prosperity, customers with ingredients for delicious meals, and families with everyday essentials.

Commodity Trading Associate Position

This entry-level role offers an exciting opportunity to join Cargill’s fast-paced trading environment. As a Commodity Trading Associate, you will be responsible for trading agricultural commodities such as grain, oilseeds/oilseed products, feed, and processing by-products.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with country elevators, producers, feed mills, and processors
• Analyzing supply and demand dynamics and market conditions to maintain and grow Cargill’s market position
• Initiating, negotiating, and finalizing commodity purchase/sale contracts, including price, quality, quantity, transportation, timing, and payment terms
• Coordinating transportation and logistics to execute commodity contracts
• Ensuring thorough and accurate follow-up, execution, and closure of all contracts
• Communicating effectively with other Cargill teams such as sales, transportation and logistics, quality assurance, plant personnel, engineers, and accountants
• Conducting plant and crop surveys to visit with suppliers and internal and external customers
• Completing and collaborating on other projects and assignments as needed

This role requires:

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Comfort with taking and managing risks
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills for teamwork, coaching, and development
• Essential leadership qualities of integrity, conviction, and courage
• Motivation and drive to succeed
• Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced, price-volatile environment
• Willingness to relocate and accept challenging responsibilities

Preferred qualifications include:

• Previous commodity trading internship experience
• Completion of a micro or macro introductory college-level economics course

Compensation and Benefits

• Expected salary: $70,000
• Comprehensive benefit program including:
• Medical and other benefits depending on the position and hours worked
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Paid time off
• Comprehensive healthcare plans
• Short-term and long-term incentives
• Mental health and wellbeing program
• Digital learning library
• Retirement plans
• Paid time for volunteering and community outreach
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Relocation benefits (for those that qualify)

Cargill’s Vibrant Community

Cargill fosters a vibrant global community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Their Business Resource Groups (BRGs) help embrace diversity, make the culture more inclusive, and enhance employee talents and perspectives.

Job Location and Requirements

• Location: Various U.S. locations including Eddyville, IA; Fort Dodge, IA; Blair, NE; Amarillo, TX; Wayzata, MN; Olathe/Kansas City, KS
• Work Environment: Plant or office setting, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements. Majority of work week will be in office.
• Requirements:
• Right to work in the U.S. (not based solely on a student visa or a third-party employer-sponsored visa)
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited program, graduating between December 2024 and summer 2025
• Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate anywhere in the U.S., if applicable
• Strong analytical, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
• Collaboration skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to contribute both as part of a team and individually