About this role
Head of Barley Trading
Job Description: Job Purpose The Head of Barley Trading provides dedicated commercial leadership and management oversight across ADM Agriculture's Feed Barley and Malting Barley books. Reporting to the Head of Grain Trading, the role is accountable for combined barley performance, strategic development, aggregate risk and management reporting, and for leading and developing the barley trading team within agreed objectives and risk parameters. The role works with the commodity leads, who retain responsibility and accountability for the day-to-day management and commercial delivery of their respective books, including trading decisions, customer relationships and execution within agreed strategies and delegated authorities.
Main Responsibilities • Lead the combined Feed Barley and Malting Barley books, delivering agreed GM, P/L, volume and return objectives through the commodity leads and the role holder's own trading activity. Develop and execute a growth plan with the ambition of increasing annual combined GM. • Set the overall Barley trading strategy with the commodity leads, coordinating physical positions, basis, futures, spreads, flat price, exports and relevant cross-commodity relationships. Agree book-level strategies and objectives with each lead, who remains accountable for their implementation and delivery. • Independently identify and execute physical and derivative trading opportunities within delegated authority, using senior commercial judgement and agreed risk capacity to add value. Coordinate this activity with the commodity leads so that position ownership and exposures are clear. • Collate and interpret UK, European and global market information. Consolidate and challenge book-level position, risk, forecast and P/L reporting, and provide the Head of Grain Trading with a clear combined barley view, recommendations and timely escalation of material issues. • Provide direct line management to the Feed Barley and Malting Barley commodity leads and other assigned barley team members. Agree objectives and delegated authorities, review performance and develop commercial judgement, trading capability and succession, with clear individual ownership of book delivery. • Oversee aggregate barley exposure and ensure each book operates within its agreed strategy, limits and controls. Support sound trading judgement, challenge decisions and require corrective action where necessary, escalating matters beyond delegated authority to the Head of Grain Trading. • Agree origination priorities with the commodity leads and Farm Trading Commercial management. Ensure each lead establishes and communicates timely prices, buying requirements and market updates for their book to maximise origination and commercial value. • Develop strategic relationships with key merchants, maltsters, feed compounders, exporters and trading partners. Work with the commodity leads on major commercial frameworks, tonnages, pricing mechanisms and grower programmes, supporting their ownership of customer relationships and book delivery. • Identify and develop additional value across barley through physical trading, cash market liquidity, exports, freight, basis and relationships with wheat and other relevant commodities. Coordinate opportunities across the team and agree clear ownership of delivery. • Work with Farm Trading Commercial management, the wider Trading team and Logistics/Shipping to improve trading and execution decisions. Hold the commodity leads accountable for correct contractual execution of their books and support resolution of issues requiring wider coordination or senior intervention. • Review haulage overspend, claims, defaults, quality issues and other non-budget costs with the commodity leads. Agree improvement actions, monitor delivery and ensure material impacts are reflected in forecasts and management reporting.
: • Work with seed breeders, the Seed trading team, Commercial Managers, customers and the commodity leads to develop commercially relevant varieties, supply programmes and new market opportunities, with clear responsibility for implementation. • Act as a senior leader within the Grain Trading team, promoting trading discipline, risk management, integrity and sound commercial decision making, and contributing to wider desk strategy, capability and talent development.
Skills, Abilities & Experience • Significant senior agricultural commodity trading experience with a demonstrable track record of generating material P/L and delivering sustained commercial returns • Proven experience independently managing sizeable physical and derivative trading books, with strong knowledge of basis, futures, spreads, risk management and commodity supply chains • Strong understanding of UK and European grain markets; direct Feed Barley and/or Malting Barley experience would be highly beneficial • Proven people leadership and performance management capability, with the authority and judgement to lead, challenge and develop experienced traders • High level of numeracy and commercial judgement, with the confidence to take accountable decisions and manage risk effectively in volatile markets • Strong negotiating and relationship-building skills with the credibility to operate with major customers, strategic counterparties and senior internal stakeholders • Highly results orientated, self-motivated and able to set challenging objectives, drive execution and operate as a senior commercial leader within the wider Trading team Your Future Perspective • Challenging tasks, short decision-making processes and a high level of personal responsibility in a modern work environment with flexible work models. • Room for innovative thinking and growth with the possibility to manage your own career path. • A company culture which promotes continuous learning and diversity. To assist with this all colleagues are able to join our Women’s and Multicultural Employee Resource Groups, and the ADM Pride Employee Network and the Young Professionals Network. As well as the company wide mentorship programme as mentor or mentee. • Excellent career opportunities in a world leading company. • An attractive remuneration including a variety of social benefits like subsidised health & fitness offers. • ADM is a company where managers and colleagues are encouraged to discuss and enable the flexibility that is needed to meet the demands of work and life. • Additional benefits and support for maternity and paternity leave. • ADM are an advocate of having a workforce who are aware of their mental health. In addition to our network of Mental Health First Aiders, all new starters to the business will be enrolled in ‘Mental Health Aware’ training within three months of joining the business.
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Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
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: About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.