Description:
Employment Type: Permanent full-time
Location: Bendigo, VIC
Hay Australia
At Hay Australia (part of the AgTrade Group), we’re on a mission to build creative and sustainable solutions for people, partners, and global food security. We achieve this by supplying premium hay and straw to dairy, beef, and equine customers across Australia and the world.
With a rich 50-year history, a strong global presence, and a focus on our customers, we are seeking a dynamic Domestic Trading Manager to drive growth, strengthen our customer base, and foster strong relationships across all sectors of the domestic market. If you have a passion for agriculture, market strategy, and commodity trading, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
The AgTrade Group
Our parent company, AgTrade, is a global livestock, genetics, and food security group with partnerships with over 15,000 farming and primary production businesses. As a wholly Australian owned, Brisbane based company, we are guided by our vision to "feed the world with purpose, creativity and care".
About the Job
Reporting to the General Manager of Hay Australia, the Domestic Trading Manager plays a key role within Hay Australia, influencing the company's strategic direction, growth, and contributing to its overall success. Working throughout the business, with processing sites in Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria, and customers across Australia, the role requires a leader who can develop and enhance trusted partnerships within a commercial framework. Significant domestic travel is a key component of this role.
Key Responsibilities
The Domestic Trading Manager will continue the development of a profitable livestock feed business, with a particular focus on hay (oaten, wheaten and barley) and straw. To do so, you will leverage existing origination and sales channels as well as developing new channels.
Targeted customers / market opportunities will include;
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Internal AgTrade businesses (Austrex, Paradigm Foods feedlots).
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AgTrade vendors (graziers, dairies, feedlots).
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Feed mills and feed processors.
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Intensive feeding operations (including feedlots).
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Dairies.
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Rural retail stores.
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Live export, (pre-quarantine agistment, quarantine and on board).
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Equine market.
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Toll pressing, procurement / sales.
It is imperative that the Domestic Trading Manager employs effective book management strategies to maintain position and credit risk within company policy. Approved commodities will have small flat price risk limits to facilitate the practical operation of the role, though taking flat price directional commodity risk will not be a primary focus of the role. Revenue will primarily be generated through back-to-back margins and execution arbitration.
Your duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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In conjunction with the General Manager, develop and implement strategic plans to drive volume growth in the domestic market, whilst maintain acceptable margins and compliance with company policies around risk.
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Analyse and stay up to date with the feed and fodder markets.
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Provide technical advice and training to colleagues, stakeholders, and customers.
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Develop pricing models for raw ingredients basis quality, customer demand and supply.
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Managing customer credit exposures within company policy.
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Deliver on GM, GM % as per annual operating budget / business plan.
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Develop new business / relationships with suppliers, customers, and logistics companies.
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Manage and strengthen relationships with existing supply chain stakeholders (growers, processors, logistics and customers).
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Develop and lead initiatives to expand Hay Australia grower and customer volumes while optimising margins.
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Contribute to the execution of a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve revenue and market share goals.
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Provide exceptional customer service and support to clients and address and promptly resolve any issues or concerns raised by customers.
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Collaborate with and support the Export Sales Manager and sales team and the Grower Services and Marketing teams.
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Monitor industry trends and provide market insights to the business, growers, and customers.
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Live and uphold the AgTrade values in all Hay Australia decisions, actions, and interactions.
About You
As with many commodity trading roles, the Domestic Trading Manager role will require the ability to work in high pressure situations and to make informed decisions under time pressure and / or with incomplete information.
Personal attributes, skills and experience that would underpin success in this role include:
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Recognised high-level communication and interpersonal skills, being adept at developing trusting relationships across diverse individuals from varied backgrounds.
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Agricultural or other commodity trading knowledge and experience including sales, logistics and supply chains, biosecurity standards, regulatory implications, documentation, contract drafting, terms of trade, incoterms, and payments.
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Experience researching and analysing whole of supply chains, developing commercially sound strategies and leading implementation of strategies.
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Strong negotiation and persuasion skills demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and the ability to build trust to achieve desired outcomes.
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Demonstrated financial and business skills including evaluating risks, forecasting, ensuring practicality, finding value propositions, building, and maintaining pricing models and calculating profit margins.
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An entrepreneurial spirit, propensity to innovate and capacity to find new opportunities.
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Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and deliver against targets.
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Hay and straw experience, although well regarded, is not essential.
These attributes, skills and experiences highlight the diverse requirements for success in this role. While you may not possess every single skill, a strong combination of sales and sales experience, agricultural knowledge, and business acumen is essential.
Why Join Us?
Hay Australia is on the cusp of an exciting growth phase, and this is your chance to be a key player in shaping our future. Join us and directly influence not only your own career trajectory, but the direction of the entire Hay Australia team. This role offers significant autonomy once established, allowing you to take ownership and drive meaningful change.
Here's what else makes Hay Australia a great place to work:
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Impactful Work: Contribute directly to our mission of feeding the world with purpose, creativity, and care. Your work will play a vital role in connecting Australian farmers with those who feed livestock, strengthening food security.
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Growth and Development: This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to hone your skills in agricultural commodity trading, market strategy, and leadership. Develop your career within a dynamic and growing organisation.
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Supportive Culture: Hay Australia, backed by the AgTrade Group, provides the stability and resources of a large organisation while maintaining a dynamic and innovative working environment. We foster a supportive and collaborative culture where your ideas are valued, and you're empowered to challenge the status quo. We encourage creativity and a passion for finding better solutions.
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National Reach: Expand your professional network and gain invaluable Australia wide experience. You'll collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, from growers and hay processors to a wide variety of livestock farmers and clients who support livestock feeding.
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Make a Difference: Be part of a company making a tangible contribution to the agricultural industry and global food security. Join us in building a sustainable future for agriculture.
Interested?
Ready to take the next step?
To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Hay Australia Recruitment on 07 3041 2800 or HR@AgTrade.com.au for a confidential discussion.
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team. We note that only those selected for interview will be contacted.
The AgTrade Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.