Operations Trainee

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! We hire right, train smart, empower our employees to make decisions, and provide ample opportunities for growth and ultimate success.  At ZGC, we are setting the standard and are the premier supplier of quality grains for export markets.

Zen-Noh Grain Corporation (ZGC) was formed in 1979 to accomplish the goal of establishing a safe and stable supply of U.S. corn, milo, soybeans, and other U.S. food supplies.  ZGC is a U.S. subsidiary of ZEN-NOH, the largest agricultural cooperative association in Japan. We operate a grain and oilseed export terminal in Convent, Louisiana, which is the highest-handle grain export terminal in the U.S. In recent years, we have expanded our grain origination and export footprint with joint ventures in Brazil, Canada and Hong Kong. In addition to grain trading, we operate a forage processing and export business headquartered in Washington.

This job is primarily responsible for maintaining the maintenance and operations of the facility while maintaining the safety and well-being of employees. The most important responsibility is guarding employee safety. This role will learn and utilize leadership skills and assume responsibility to ensure the facility operates in an efficient and profitable manner while facing different and new challenges every day. The job has direct input on personnel issues, financial decisions, construction projects and proposals, as well as the daily operations of the facility.

In this job, you will:

• Oversee all grain quality; develop and ensure consistent execution of all operations policies, practices and procedures at the assigned facility regarding quality and handling.
• Oversee, plan and execute capacity utilization, inventory management, quality management, preventive maintenance, up time, cost and facility efficiency.
• Oversee facility results to ensure operations are optimally profitable; develop facility benchmarks, report on facility results and develop improvement plans for areas falling below benchmark.
• Oversee staffing and job development activities (hiring, training, employee performance management, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, etc.); develop, communicate, and manage individual staff performance expectations that align with company goals.
• Lead by example to reinforce exceptional customer service in all areas; including speed of product intake process, and accurate product weights and grades.
• Lead, coach, and guide assigned team on safety, customer service and operating costs.
• Lead and coach facility staff, perform activities, and monitor and maintain the company's safety program at assigned facility.
• Work with various departments on communicating a plan of action regarding logistics and staffing capabilities.
• Manage expenses in line with forecast; monitor quality, storage, logistics, repairs, maintenance, equipment and labor expenses.
• Assist in capital allocation and project development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Here’s what you’ll need to be considered:

Education

Required - Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Experience

Required - 3 years' experience in both commercial and operations sides of grain business.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of facility cost structures, mix and blend analysis, safety, efficiency, grain quality, preventive maintenance, OSHA, EPA, carry, interest, freight, FOB and CIF marketing/sales.
• Strong knowledge of facility operations; including storage, rail and barge handling.
• Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, time management and multi-tasking skills, with ability to remain flexible to changing priorities.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong planning skills.

Here’s additional information you need to know:

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. frequently.
• Ability to climb, crouch, stoop, bend, and squat, frequently.
• Ability to stand and walk constantly/continuously.
• Ability to balance constantly/continuously. 
• Ability to kneel occasionally.
• Ability to safely walk on barge surface(s) with the ability to work around deep water.
• Ability to understand and communicate verbally, in person and over two-way radio.
• Ability to climb ladders and perform work at significant heights.
• Ability to perform work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in an environment with high dust levels around grain and other bulk products.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.

Uses peripheral vision and depth perception for tasks being performed.

Environmental Conditions

The work environment described here are meant to be representative of those an employee would normally encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment.

Travel required for off-site training and/or working at alternate locations; can be up to 20% depending on facility location.

The expected base pay range for this role is:

$72,016.00 - $102,905.00

Actual pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including work location, job-related knowledge, skills and relevant experience for the job. Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

Are you ready to make a meaningful career move & an impact at ZGC? Apply today!

Known in our industry for stability and high ethics, Zen-Noh Grain Corporation offers a stellar benefits package including: an outstanding 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, & disability benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick), wellness programs, recognition programs, community involvement opportunities, and much more!

Zen-Noh Grain Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO is the Law links in English or Spanish. We are unable to legally hire anyone who is not eligible to work in the United States nor are we able to sponsor visas.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

All Third Party Agencies, Headhunters, and Recruiters

Zen-Noh Grain Corporation and its Subsidiaries only forms contracts with recruiters with whom we have an established relationship and with whom we have in place a signed contract. All contact from third parties must go through our Human Resources Department. Any contact made outside of our Human Resources Department by a third party will cancel any future business relationships between the third party and Zen-Noh Grain Corporation and its Subsidiaries.