Seed Sales and Origination Manager
Ardent Mills, Pullman, WA, United States
About Us
Welcome to Ardent Mills, a company dedicated to helping our customers innovate and grow with the industry’s broadest range of traditional and organic flours, alternative grains, customized blends and specialty bread products. Our ingredients are backed by unrivaled technical support, food safety solutions and the supply assurance of a coast‑to‑coast network of more than 35 community mills and blending facilities, an artisan commercial bakery, and gluten‑free pulse and ancient grains cleaning, milling and packaging facilities. We are Ardent Mills, working with you for the good of grain, and we’re looking for dynamic people to join our team.
About Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Ardent Mills is committed to being the one‑stop partner of choice for customers seeking alternative grains and traditional flour solutions. Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition is our center of expertise, supporting customers as they innovate with and incorporate alternative grains with confidence. As a center of expertise, we provide specific capabilities to support our customers’ growth through exploration, sourcing, and development. We provide specialized knowledge in on‑farm programs, alternative grains, both form and function along with internal expertise from field to fork. The Emerging Nutrition group is a dedicated team committed to cultivating the future of alternative grains and plant‑based ingredients. As a member of the Emerging Nutrition Risk and Grower Relations team, the Emerging Nutrition Specialty Grain Originator will explore, develop, source and market alternative grains, ingredients and other value‑added products aligned with Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Vision, Mission and Strategy. The Emerging Nutrition Risk and Grower Relations team will manage risk while collaborating cross‑functionally to grow and market the organic wheat and alternative grains portfolio.
The Role Under the direction of the Specialty Grain Risk Merchant, the Specialty Grain Originator is considered a “boots on the ground” person that will cover the Emerging Nutrition origination in the Palouse region. This role will be instrumental in building producer relationships while originating alternative grains, pulses and organic wheat to support the Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio. The Specialty Grain Originator should be familiar with origination strategies, including the relative value of commodities, monitoring of competing crop rotation options and understanding of underlying commodity price direction. This role will need to understand the relationship between futures and cash markets, have a comprehension of wheat class spreads, freight, and possess a working knowledge of customer specifications and the grain optimization process.
The Specialty Grain Originator must have excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building and communication skills. This role requires a person that can apply creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to source and build out the Emerging Nutrition raw material supply chain. The expectation of the Specialty Grain Originator is to identify origination opportunities, expand the grower footprint and contract acres that align with our strategic intent.
A Successful Candidate Will Have the Following Attributes
The ability to deliver results in first‑time situations, inspire others, and earn trust every day
The willingness to serve others with understanding, respect, and care
The ability to originate grain through an honest approach with integrity and price discipline
Willingness to engage with growers, administration staff and commercial teams to execute timely shipment of grain purchases and monitor contract applications
The competency to execute strategic origination plans tailored to enhance the EN Risk position
The ability to operate with simplicity, clarity, and transparency cross‑functionally with Sales, Commercial Teams, RQT and Operations
The ability to organize, prioritize, and own multiple tasks while meeting and/or exceeding deadlines
The ability to learn and apply new technology, with the willingness to share knowledge with others
Above all, you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability, integrity, compliance, and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.
Your Responsibilities
Frequent on‑farm visits with growers throughout the Palouse region
While collaborating with the Specialty Grain Merchant, execute the Emerging Nutrition Alternative Grains origination strategy through analysis of market data, customer needs, and market position
Source specialty grains that align with business needs and growth opportunities to support the Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio, while maximizing the total business margin for Ardent Mills
Regularly engage with customers and growers to understand their business, understand their needs, develop business relationships, and become the supplier/partner of choice, including phone calls, physical visits, and participation in industry‑sponsored events where applicable
As needed, serve as a subject‑matter expert that will support strategy and growth plans for the business
Essential Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree Required
Minimum 5 years of experience in commodity origination, applying commodity transaction principles, managing commodity margins, logistics and freight planning
Knowledge of agriculture and agronomy production
Proven experience working in a fast‑paced, transactional environment where you had accountability for decisions that had direct impact on a company’s ability to generate revenue
Proven communication, teamwork and leadership skills with the ability to deliver results by inspiring, serving others, and working to earn trust every day
Proven problem‑solving and analytical skills while operating with simplicity, clarity and transparency
Ability to formulate strategy, make decisions, and execute plans effectively
Ability to work as a member of a team towards a team goal, while managing one’s own projects
Demonstrated communication skills, both written and verbal
Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in the business and effectively apply change‑management leadership
Motivation and ability to execute projects/tasks on time, strong prioritization and time‑management skills
Must have an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to drive innovation and passion for the Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio and specialty processing across the business
Nice to Have
Farm origination experience in the Palouse region
Other Considerations
Ability to travel up to 50%
Ardent Mills is headquartered in Denver, CO. This role is remote with a home base located in Montana. The successful candidate will be expected to commit to periodic presence in the Denver HQ office, the frequency of which is open to discussion with the hiring manager
EEO Commitment At Ardent Mills, everyone matters, and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non‑merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills.
The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.
Location Pullman, WA
Address: 1652 Old Wawawai Rd, Pullman WA, 99163
Employment Type Full time
Competitive Compensation We provide market‑driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $110,000 – $130,000, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus – MIP, 10% Annual.
Benefits At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include:
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
Life and Disability Programs
Voluntary Benefit Programs
Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
Retirement Savings with Company Match
Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)
Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer At Ardent Mills, the security of our employees and candidates is a priority. We will never request sensitive information such as your bank account information, social security number, or other non‑publicly available information during the application and interview process. If someone asks you for sensitive information, we strongly advise that you assume that individual is not affiliated with Ardent Mills. Some things to watch out for:
Slightly altered or unprofessional email addresses:
Ardent Mills’ Recruitment team only corresponds from email addresses with the domain first.last.talent@ardentmills.com or first.last@ardentmills.com
Vague job requirements or job descriptions:
Our open job opportunities and descriptions can be found at ardentmillscareers.com
Apply Now Connect With Us
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Ardent Mills is committed to being the one‑stop partner of choice for customers seeking alternative grains and traditional flour solutions. Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition is our center of expertise, supporting customers as they innovate with and incorporate alternative grains with confidence. As a center of expertise, we provide specific capabilities to support our customers’ growth through exploration, sourcing, and development. We provide specialized knowledge in on‑farm programs, alternative grains, both form and function along with internal expertise from field to fork. The Emerging Nutrition group is a dedicated team committed to cultivating the future of alternative grains and plant‑based ingredients. As a member of the Emerging Nutrition Risk and Grower Relations team, the Emerging Nutrition Specialty Grain Originator will explore, develop, source and market alternative grains, ingredients and other value‑added products aligned with Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Vision, Mission and Strategy. The Emerging Nutrition Risk and Grower Relations team will manage risk while collaborating cross‑functionally to grow and market the organic wheat and alternative grains portfolio.
The Role Under the direction of the Specialty Grain Risk Merchant, the Specialty Grain Originator is considered a “boots on the ground” person that will cover the Emerging Nutrition origination in the Palouse region. This role will be instrumental in building producer relationships while originating alternative grains, pulses and organic wheat to support the Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio. The Specialty Grain Originator should be familiar with origination strategies, including the relative value of commodities, monitoring of competing crop rotation options and understanding of underlying commodity price direction. This role will need to understand the relationship between futures and cash markets, have a comprehension of wheat class spreads, freight, and possess a working knowledge of customer specifications and the grain optimization process.
The Specialty Grain Originator must have excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building and communication skills. This role requires a person that can apply creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to source and build out the Emerging Nutrition raw material supply chain. The expectation of the Specialty Grain Originator is to identify origination opportunities, expand the grower footprint and contract acres that align with our strategic intent.
A Successful Candidate Will Have the Following Attributes
The ability to deliver results in first‑time situations, inspire others, and earn trust every day
The willingness to serve others with understanding, respect, and care
The ability to originate grain through an honest approach with integrity and price discipline
Willingness to engage with growers, administration staff and commercial teams to execute timely shipment of grain purchases and monitor contract applications
The competency to execute strategic origination plans tailored to enhance the EN Risk position
The ability to operate with simplicity, clarity, and transparency cross‑functionally with Sales, Commercial Teams, RQT and Operations
The ability to organize, prioritize, and own multiple tasks while meeting and/or exceeding deadlines
The ability to learn and apply new technology, with the willingness to share knowledge with others
Above all, you will be expected to carry out all your activities with reliability, integrity, compliance, and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.
Your Responsibilities
Frequent on‑farm visits with growers throughout the Palouse region
While collaborating with the Specialty Grain Merchant, execute the Emerging Nutrition Alternative Grains origination strategy through analysis of market data, customer needs, and market position
Source specialty grains that align with business needs and growth opportunities to support the Ardent Mills Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio, while maximizing the total business margin for Ardent Mills
Regularly engage with customers and growers to understand their business, understand their needs, develop business relationships, and become the supplier/partner of choice, including phone calls, physical visits, and participation in industry‑sponsored events where applicable
As needed, serve as a subject‑matter expert that will support strategy and growth plans for the business
Essential Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree Required
Minimum 5 years of experience in commodity origination, applying commodity transaction principles, managing commodity margins, logistics and freight planning
Knowledge of agriculture and agronomy production
Proven experience working in a fast‑paced, transactional environment where you had accountability for decisions that had direct impact on a company’s ability to generate revenue
Proven communication, teamwork and leadership skills with the ability to deliver results by inspiring, serving others, and working to earn trust every day
Proven problem‑solving and analytical skills while operating with simplicity, clarity and transparency
Ability to formulate strategy, make decisions, and execute plans effectively
Ability to work as a member of a team towards a team goal, while managing one’s own projects
Demonstrated communication skills, both written and verbal
Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in the business and effectively apply change‑management leadership
Motivation and ability to execute projects/tasks on time, strong prioritization and time‑management skills
Must have an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to drive innovation and passion for the Emerging Nutrition Product Portfolio and specialty processing across the business
Nice to Have
Farm origination experience in the Palouse region
Other Considerations
Ability to travel up to 50%
Ardent Mills is headquartered in Denver, CO. This role is remote with a home base located in Montana. The successful candidate will be expected to commit to periodic presence in the Denver HQ office, the frequency of which is open to discussion with the hiring manager
EEO Commitment At Ardent Mills, everyone matters, and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non‑merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills.
The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.
Location Pullman, WA
Address: 1652 Old Wawawai Rd, Pullman WA, 99163
Employment Type Full time
Competitive Compensation We provide market‑driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $110,000 – $130,000, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus – MIP, 10% Annual.
Benefits At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include:
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
Life and Disability Programs
Voluntary Benefit Programs
Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
Retirement Savings with Company Match
Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)
Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer At Ardent Mills, the security of our employees and candidates is a priority. We will never request sensitive information such as your bank account information, social security number, or other non‑publicly available information during the application and interview process. If someone asks you for sensitive information, we strongly advise that you assume that individual is not affiliated with Ardent Mills. Some things to watch out for:
Slightly altered or unprofessional email addresses:
Ardent Mills’ Recruitment team only corresponds from email addresses with the domain first.last.talent@ardentmills.com or first.last@ardentmills.com
Vague job requirements or job descriptions:
Our open job opportunities and descriptions can be found at ardentmillscareers.com
Apply Now Connect With Us
#J-18808-Ljbffr