ABOUT POET
At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
CULTURE IS KING AT POET
We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES
POET Grain is a leader in the grain market, buying nearly a billion bushels of grain annually from over 30,000 local farmers. When we show up to work at POET Grain, it’s our job to meet our customers’ needs as efficiently as possible while buying grain at the best possible value for POET.
As a Grain Merchandiser Intern, you will have the chance to work directly with some of America’s best farmers and commercial grain companies and look for other grain merchandising opportunities in our draw areas. You will assist in developing and maintaining customer relationships, as well as formulating solutions to meet our customers’ needs, which may involve customized marketing plans and on-farm visits.
This is an on-site role located in IN, OH, or MI, with a specific location to be determined by April 2026. Responsibilities include:
- Procuring grain supplies through the purchase of grain from producers and commercial accounts.
- Seek out new potential customers for POET via phone or travel to farms or other meeting sites.
- Communicating/explaining market information to customers.
- Have thorough knowledge of grain contracts and marketing alternatives and be able to explain these to customers.
- Manage and maintain customer database.
- Local supply/demand analytics and reporting, including monitoring of market conditions and price competitiveness to ensure grain purchases at optimal pricing levels.
- Initiating contractual agreements for grain and ensuring the accuracy of contracts.
- Hedge all grain purchases in coordination with POET Grain policies.
- Update grain bids on web pages, apps, and after-hours phone lines daily.
- Maintain a very high level of customer service and a positive, friendly attitude.
- Some clerical/administrative duties related to grain origination operations.
- Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
- Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Candidates should have or be working toward a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a business-related field.
- Understanding of or the ability to learn CBOT futures markets, fundamental and technical market factors, basis levels, market structure, carrying costs, and freight spreads.
- Understanding of or the ability to learn the grain receiving/grading procedures.
- Ability to learn and follow grain contract policies and regulations.
- Ability to seek out and build strong customer relationships.
- Experience with market analytics.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent organization and time management skills with a sense of urgency that drives results.
- Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
- Bonus points: a proven track record of growing and managing a sales territory
A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE
- High level of personal integrity
- Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
- A desire to work with people and find solutions for their needs.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to embrace and promote change
- Innovative mindset
- Ability to think objectively
- Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
- Ability to work individually and in a team environment
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Some travel will be required for this internship to visit producers and attend meetings. At times, overnight travel may be required.
- This role operates within an office onsite at a bioprocessing facility.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
PERKS
- A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
- On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
- Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.