Position SummaryThe Head of Commodity Procurement leads Red River Commodities domestic and international sourcing strategy for the confection and oil sunflower, millet, milo, and other specialty grains and seeds required across our business lines and manufacturing operations, ensuring a reliable, competitive, and high-quality supply.
This leader directs our broker, direct-grower, and import procurement programs and converts global crop, commodity, currency, freight, trade, and geopolitical intelligence into disciplined sourcing and risk-management decisions. The role works closely with business line leadership, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Logistics to align customer commitments, crop positions, inventory, working capital, and long-term growth plans.
The ideal candidate combines deep agricultural commodity knowledge, international commercial experience, executive judgment, and strong relationships across growers, brokers, suppliers, processors, and trade partners.
Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Procurement Strategy & Executive Leadership- Lead Red River Commodities' domestic and international procurement strategy ensures cost competitiveness, quality, and continuity of supply.
- Advise executive leadership on market exposure, Commodity trends, and purchasing positions.
- Align sourcing decisions with business objectives, margin expectations, and customer demand.
Domestic Grower, Broker & Supplier Programs- Lead direct-grower sourcing programs, including acreage development, grower recruitment and retention, contracting strategy, crop-year communication, and delivery execution.
- Set strategy and performance expectations for commodity brokers, cooperatives, elevators, processors, and other domestic suppliers.
- Direct negotiations for grower contracts, broker purchases, supplier agreements, pricing structures, quality specifications, delivery terms, and commercial remedies.
- Develop alternate origins and supplier options to strengthen continuity, leverage, and responsiveness.
International Sourcing & Import Programs- Lead international sourcing and imports, including origin and supplier evaluation, commercial terms, regulatory and documentation requirements, shipment execution, risk management, and supplier relationships.
- Establish appropriate commercial terms, Incoterms, documentation requirements, claims processes, inspection protocols, and contingency plans for imported commodities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with international suppliers, exporters, processors, trade organizations, and market-information providers.
World Markets, Position Management & Risk- Monitor global commodity markets and use market data, supplier intelligence, and internal forecasts to guide purchasing positions, coverage, scenario planning, and risk-management decisions.
- Ensure purchasing decisions and any risk-management instruments comply with approved authorities, policies, accounting practices, and executive oversight.
Cross-Functional Planning, Quality & Financial Performance- Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Finance, Sales, and business leaders to align purchasing, inventory, quality, production needs, customer commitments, budgets, landed cost, and working capital.
Team Leadership & Procurement Excellence- Lead and develop the procurement team, strengthen organizational capability, and establish the policies, controls, systems, and performance expectations needed for consistent execution.
- Strengthen systems, data quality, forecasting integration, contract administration, and documentation across the procurement lifecycle.
- Promote disciplined decision-making, commercial integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in agricultural commodity procurement, merchandising, origination, trading, or global sourcing, including at least five years in a leadership role.
• Experience leading domestic grower and broker programs and international sourcing or imports; experience with sunflower, millet, milo, specialty grains, edible seeds, oilseeds, or similar commodities is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural commodity markets, crop cycles, supply-and-demand analysis, landed-cost economics, international trade requirements, and commercial risk.
• Proven negotiation, contract management, financial analysis, decision-making, and executive communication skills, with proficiency in ERP, procurement, Excel, and business-intelligence tools.
Company BenefitsAt Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.
- On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
- Paid time off
- Paid Holidays
- 401k & company match
- Profit Sharing
- Employee Assistance Program
