Commodity Trader I - Dairy

As a Commodity Trader I at Inspire Brands, you'll analyze and forecast dairy commodity prices while developing and executing market strategies. You'll also be actively engaged in risk management, identifying potential threats, and formulating mitigation strategies. Your role will require collaboration with cross-functional teams to provide commodity data, assist with negotiations, and report on significant market events.

To qualify for the Commodity Trader I role at Inspire Brands, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or Economics. Additionally, having 4-6 years of experience in commodity trading, especially in dairy risk management, is essential. An MS degree is preferred, and candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.

At Inspire Brands, professional growth is a priority. As a Commodity Trader I, you'll have opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals and receive mentorship in the fast-paced world of commodity trading. We encourage continuous learning through workshops, training sessions, and access to resources in risk management and analytics to ensure you excel in your career.

The work environment for a Commodity Trader I at Inspire Brands is dynamic and collaborative. You'll be part of a team that encourages innovation and adaptability as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of dairy markets. Emphasizing a strong team culture, we prioritize open communication and frequent updates on market conditions to empower all team members.

A Commodity Trader I at Inspire Brands should be proficient in Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentations. Familiarity with software such as Bloomberg, CQG, Eikon, and Prophet X is advantageous, as these tools are vital for analyzing market trends and managing trading strategies effectively.

In analyzing commodity prices, I utilize both fundamental and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis involves examining supply and demand factors, while technical analysis focuses on price chart patterns and trends. I integrate data from various market sources to create a robust forecast.

In a previous role, I recognized the potential risk posed by changes in tariffs impacting dairy imports. I conducted a thorough assessment and proposed hedging strategies that minimized potential losses while educating the team and stakeholders on the situation.

I employ a variety of risk management strategies, including utilizing forward fixed contracts, futures options positions, and hedge proxies. I also stay informed about market changes to adjust our strategies promptly.

I maintain regular updates regarding market dynamics, utilizing concise reports that highlight key performance metrics and risk factors that could affect our strategies. I encourage open dialogue to address any concerns or questions from leadership.

In my last position, I collaborated with the procurement team to identify cost-saving initiatives in dairy sourcing. This involved aligning our analysis with their goals and communicating effectively to ensure we leveraged opportunities for synergy.

I have extensive experience with various data analysis tools, particularly Excel for performing in-depth quantitative analyses. Furthermore, I am familiar with platforms like Bloomberg and CQG, which I use for market trend analysis and monitoring.

When I encounter data discrepancies, I first verify the accuracy of the data sources. I then cross-reference with alternative data sets to pinpoint the issue before making necessary corrections and updates to my analysis.

I am deeply passionate about the dynamic nature of commodity markets and enjoy the challenge of developing strategies that can effectively navigate them. Seeing my analysis impact real business decisions is a significant motivator for me.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I assess which projects require immediate attention and create a structured timeline that allows me to focus on high-priority initiatives while remaining adaptable to new developments.

My passion for the dairy commodity sector stems from my interest in agriculture and market trends that directly influence food pricing. I find it rewarding to analyze data that leads to informed trading decisions, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.