Trade Execution Merchandiser

Summary

We are actively recruiting for an experienced and driven Trade Execution Merchandiser to join the Agribusiness team.  This person is responsible for leading and supporting the procurement, logistics, and commercial execution of organic and specialty crops & oils imported into the United States. This role manages end-to-end contract lifecycle, supplier negotiations, freight and vessel/container operations, and documentation flow, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. The position requires deep knowledge of international agricultural markets, hands-on execution experience, and strong commercial acumen to support business growth and operational excellence.

The salary range for this position is $73,000.00 - $109,000.00 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Commercial Contracts Management: Lead the drafting, issuance, and management of import purchase contract terms for all commodities and origins. Ensure proper documentation and counterparty compliance, maintaining an organized repository by product, origin, and shipment period. Act as primary liaison with suppliers for all contract clarifications and adjustments.
• Import Position Oversight: Maintain and analyze real-time global product positions by commodity and origin. Develop biweekly vessel and freight programs and provide strategic insights to internal stakeholders to optimize supply chain and margin performance.
• International Documentation & Payment Coordination: Manage the end-to-end flow of international shipping documents and coordinate with support functions to ensure timely and accurate invoicing, collections, and settlements.
• Freight & Vessel Logistics Execution: Oversee the full container and bulk freight process—including rate negotiation, bookings, charter party agreements, and vessel laytime analysis. Lead customs clearance processes for all organic imports and ensure compliance with USDA and CBP guidelines.
• SBM Sourcing & Market Development: Gather SBM import demand from domestic merchandiser into East and West coast destination. Contact African and Indian SBM suppliers and request offers. Pass them on internally, negotiate commercial terms with suppliers, discuss and agree on purchase conditions. Book, confirm, issue contracts, update position, follow up container executions and payments.
• Business Development Support: Provide analytical and logistical support for the Specialty Oils team. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop least-cost models and strategic sourcing frameworks from origin to end-user.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelors Degree in a related field (Agribusiness, International Trade, or Supply Chain preferred) and a minimum of 5+ years in international trade logistics, agricultural commodities, or execution roles

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Proficiency in Incoterms, international documentation, and containerized freight operations
• Experience with trade finance instruments (LCs, D/P, D/A)
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. import regulatory compliance
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem solving capabilities
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-cultural environments
• Self starter mentality with a bias for action and the ability to work with limited oversight
• Excellent written and verbal communication; persuasive negotiation skills
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time including international supplier visits and customer support

PREFERRED:  Knowledge of FOSFA, GAFTA, NAEGA, and NGFA contracts, multilingual (Spanish preferred), familiarity with organic certification and documentation requirements.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings. May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. May need to access files, supplies and equipment.  Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.