Energy Risk & Bulk Operations Manager - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $105,150.00 - $144,537.50

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

See what it's like to work at GROWMARK:https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of energy trading risk - including market exposure, credit risk, and operational risk-as well as managing pipeline inventory across the company's energy assets. This role ensures that trading activities align with corporate risk tolerance and regulatory requirements, while optimizing inventory levels to support commercial strategies and operational efficiency.

Additionally, responsible for the supply, pricing, and risk management of renewable fuels, ensuring alignment with market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability goals. This includes developing strategies to manage exposure and optimize value across renewable fuel portfolios.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads, and develops the Product Scheduler, Renewable Fuels Supply Manager(s), Trading Analyst(s), and Refined Fuels Scheduler.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Manages daily price risk for GROWMARK inventories, forward purchases, and forward sales contracts. Manages all hedge price risk with futures, options, or other approved financial instruments positions and risk.

Partner with trading desks to evaluate risk-adjusted performance and confirm adherence to internal policies while serving as the key contact for Finance, Compliance, and Audit teams to promote transparency and uphold accountability.

Manages pipeline inventory planning and reporting, collaborates with various teams to address imbalances, maintains strong industry relationships, and leads the development of risk analytics tools.

Lead initiatives to streamline and automate risk and inventory management processes, focusing on improving operational efficiency and reducing manual intervention. This includes evaluating current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing best practices to enhance accuracy and responsiveness across trading and inventory functions.

Design and implement standardized reporting frameworks that improve visibility, consistency, and decision-making across the organization. Work closely with IT and data teams to enhance system integration, eliminate inefficiencies in data flow and reconciliation, and ensure reporting is timely, accurate, and aligned with business objectives.

Provides overall leadership to all aspects of Energy Trading and Supply, including staff development and ensuring that department work is completed to maximize customer satisfaction and net operating income for the Energy Division. Ensures compliance with corporate policies and code of ethics.

Directs and oversees the placement of futures orders and other hedging activities on behalf of the Energy Division and customers. Maintains compliance with GROWMARK's refined fuels/propane corporate risk management policies. Coordinates position reporting with GROWMARK General Accounting

Manages business procedures with MIDCO Commodities Inc. and with other brokerage firms used by the Energy Division. Maintains ongoing and open dialogue between MIDCO Commodities and other brokerage firms. Utilizes select brokerage firms as sounding boards in the development of sound hedging and trading strategies.

Maintains an understanding of Renewable Fuels fundaments including production methods, locations, delivery points, and storage facilities.

Collaborate with all essential staff members of the Energy and Logistics teams on refined and renewable fuels supply, marketing programs, or pricing strategies for customers.

Oversees and manages the resolution of refined and renewable fuels accounting, legal, and tax issues with appropriate parties, as well as the analysis of cost changes and vendor invoice discrepancies (VIM) and subsequent resolution with Energy Accounting and or Customer Care.

Maintain an understanding of the Refined and Renewable Fuels industry fundamentals, system/terminal supply fundamentals, and marketplace developments, and regularly communicates these developments to key members of GROWMARK Operations, Marketing, and Logistics teams.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Maintains the daily contract basis offering report for the Energy Division.

Communicates regional market development to all appropriate supply, marketing, and transportation staff members.

Maintains a database of fundamental and technical market information to support hedging and trading activities.

Follows GROWMARK's Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Typically requires a college degree in a business-related field or its equivalent, along with at least 6 years of related experience and demonstrated knowledge of the refined and renewable fuels industry.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making, skill development, and maintains complete confidentiality.

Understanding and experiences with energy-related areas, including the technical aspects of different fuels, contracting programs, cash and futures trading activities, options markets, basis relationships, petroleum refining, renewable fuels production, Government policies and compliance related to renewable fuels, renewable fuels tax implications, pipeline/terminal operations and distribution, supply and position management.

Demonstrated knowledge of planning, organization, problem-solving, competitive adeptness, costing and pricing strategies, program execution, budgeting, and communications.

Proven team building skills and the ability to work independently as well as a team-oriented environment.

Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Power Point), DTN applications or equivalent, pricing software applications, and the ability to learn SAP ECC and Business Objects.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and have the ability to travel independently and overnight when necessary. Also, be able to work hours beyond those considered normal as needed.

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.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.