Commodity Specialist & Sales Associate - On-site

Commodity Specialist & Sales Associate - Entry Level

CERCO Group

Business Services

Mount Prospect, IL;
Rogers, MN;
Springfield, MO - On-site

Cereal Byproducts, CERCO Group Company, serves to supply and distribute a wide array of ingredients and offers a high-value proposition by handling everything from start to finish. We offer a diverse product portfolio that ensures competitive pricing, along with complementary alternatives, to provide optimal value for our partners. Trusted for over 100 years, we supply and distribute a wide array of ingredients for use in food, animal nutrition, sports nutrition, and industrial applications.

We are seeking an individual with strong communication skills who is high-energy, self-directed, and results-driven. We hire individuals who want to build a long-term career in the commodity ingredients industry. This business and industry are unique, so the majority of our training is “on-the-job” learning. Cereal Byproducts, a Cerco Company, is an excellent company with a strong industry reputation, and many of our employees have been with us for decades.

Salary range:$60,000 annually plus commission

* Please note that the base pay offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, knowledge, skills, experience, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.

Benefits

Summary:

• 401 (k) - Contributing to a 401 (k) becomes available after 1 year of service
• Profit sharing - becomes available after 1 year of service
• Medical/vision/dental
• PTO/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays

• Embrace entrepreneurial business ownership, driving your impact and success
• Source, purchase, and sell ingredients across the feed and food industries, building expertise in commodity and ingredient markets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing accounts while actively prospecting and cultivating new customer and supplier partnerships.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers and customers to maximize profitability and ensure long-term business growth.
• Monitor market trends, pricing data, and global supply chains to identify opportunities and risks in commodity sales and sourcing.
• Collaborate with logistics teams to arrange and oversee transportation, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of products.
• Manage account portfolios, including order processing, invoicing, and follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Analyze commodity transactions and evaluate margins, using data to drive business decisions and strategies.
• Ensure compliance with customs, licensing, tax regulations, and company policies for domestic and international transactions.
• Help drive team success by sharing market knowledge, partnering with colleagues, and supporting business initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, or customer visits to strengthen market presence and build professional networks.
• Continuously learn and adapt to the dynamics of the agricultural and ingredient industry through on-the-job training and self-directed growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, sales, marketing, or related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in sales is helpful, especially if you have worked with agricultural commodities like grain or feed.
• Familiar with Paylocity.
• Willing to complete training on our industry-specialized software (NewBOS).
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with customs, licensing, and tax compliance is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and cross-functionally.

* The career opportunity and direct referral are intended for Evans Scholars.

To apply , click here to email your resume, cover letter, and preferred location to Dan Puglisi (ESF Senior Director, Career Services).