Supply Chain Leader - Oat Milling BU

ABOUT BAY STATE MILLING COMPANY:

Bay State Milling Company is a family-owned company with a strategic intent to support the growth of the next generation of grain-based foods in North America by providing the leading array of plant-based ingredients. Since 1899, we have proudly provided exceptional quality flour and grain products, and we continue to build on our legacy as we bring new supply chains and technologies into our realm of capabilities. Our Core purpose is to provide food ingredients to promote the growth of healthful and affordable food choices for the consumer.

We recognize that the universe of grain-based foods is constantly changing and responding to consumers’ desire for variety, healthfulness, great taste and affordability in their food choices. We are not afraid of change; in fact, we believe that change cultivates opportunity. Our goal is to stay a step ahead of our customer’s needs, while always maintaining the trust they have placed in us for generations. We are committed to maintaining our Core Values of INTEGRITY, RESPECT, QUALITY, SERVICE, CREATIVITY and TEAMWORK in pursuit of achieving this goal.

SUMMARY

The Supply Chain Leader – Oat Milling is a strategic leadership role based in Minneapolis, MN, responsible for end-to-end supply chain management with a focus on building and scaling a robust farm-direct procurement program. This role secures high-quality oat supply through long-term grower relationships and contract acreage programs, while leading sourcing strategies aligned with purity protocol, organic, and regenerative agriculture standards.

This Leader role integrates commodity and currency risk management practices to support margin stability, oversees market intelligence and supply-demand analysis to guide commercial strategy, and drives transportation and logistics performance—including support for a matrixed transportation model over the next 12–24 months. The role also supports execution of byproduct merchandising strategies and manages strategic supply chain relationships, including third-party handlers. As a key member of the Oat Milling Management Team, this Leader collaborates cross-functionally to optimize quality, operational performance, and financial planning. The role partners closely with the Enterprise Risk Team and the Varietal Solutions Business Unit, serving as a resource for seed development and helping align grower contracting across seed and commercial grain programs. Travel expectations are approximately 25%, primarily to oat growing regions and operational sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Procurement and Grower

• Lead and expand a team focused on direct-from-farm oat origination, building long-term relationships with growers.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies to secure high-quality conventional, purity protocol, and organic oats, including ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified) for long-term contracts.
• Establish and manage grower programs that align with company risk management goals and supply security in conjunction with Enterprise Risk Team.
• Cultivate a diverse supplier base to ensure resilient sourcing across local and international oat-growing regions.
• Collaborate with growers, agronomic partners, and BSM’s Varietal Solutions and Sustainability teams to ensure compliance with regenerative agriculture and traceability requirements of the identity-preserved (IP) seed supply chain.
• Act as a “voice of the customer” in seed development efforts with Varietal Solutions—defining desired traits, identifying shortcomings, and sharing grower experiences to optimize seed and commercial grain alignment.
• Own strategic supply chain relationships, including third-party handlers, to ensure alignment with sourcing, quality, and delivery goals.
• Integrate sustainability metrics into procurement strategies and supply chain performance indicators.

Byproduct Execution & Merchandising Support

• Lead the execution of merchandising strategies for oat hulls, fines, and other co-products, ensuring alignment with operational output and market demand.

• Develop and implement go-to-market plans for byproducts originating from Belgrade, MT and Saskatoon, SK, including customer segmentation and channel strategy.
• Oversee byproduct inventory levels and collaborate with commercial, operations, and supply chain teams to synchronize sales efforts with production schedules and customer needs.
• Build and manage pricing strategies, contract administration processes, and customer relationship frameworks to optimize margins and ensure consistent execution across byproduct sales.

Risk Management and Market Intelligence

• Develop and execute hedging strategy to manage CAD/USD currency exposure and price risk, stabilizing margins and supporting long-term financial planning.
• Coordinate hedging activities with procurement, finance, and sales teams based on market conditions, timing of sales contracts and inventory positions.
• Monitor regional supply and demand (S&D) trends for oats and related commodities; support Product Line Manager with analysis on market trends for oats, wheat, or other competing commodities.
• Provide reliable market outlooks and price forecasts to guide leadership decisions and commercial strategies; prepare and present market reviews and pricing outlooks to senior management and commercial teams as needed.
• Manage supply chain risk reporting for OM within the BU and at the corporate level.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

• Partner with the Enterprise Risk Team to support BU-level risk reporting, share best practices, and ensure alignment with corporate risk management frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Varietal Solutions Business Unit to align seed development with commercial grain needs, serving as the “voice of the customer” to define desired traits, share grower feedback, and optimize the grower base across seed and grain programs.
• Oversee transportation services including inbound and outbound truck logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery with local Saskatoon and Belgrade teams with an emphasis on building out an enterprise transportation strategy in conjunction with
• Partner with the quality team to establish purchasing procedures that align with quality standards, cost optimization, and blending opportunities while maintaining compliance with customer specifications and food and feed safety regulations.
• Provide leadership as a member of the Oat Milling Management Team and participate in cross-BU committees and projects as requested by BSM Executive Leadership Team

Financial & Strategic Planning

• Partner with Director of Finance to conduct annual budget projections for procurement function and participate in the strategic planning process
• Support long-term business planning through scenario modeling, market analysis, and alignment of procurement strategies with commercial objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field from an accredited college or university; advanced degree (MBA, MAg, or similar) preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the grain industry or a food-related company, with at least 7 years in merchandising, commodity risk management, and/or strategic procurement.
• Strong understanding of on-farm economics, grower decision-making, and the dynamics of agricultural production systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex supply chains, including direct-from-farm procurement, byproduct commercialization, and transportation optimization.
• Prior leadership experience preferred; however, high-potential candidates stepping into their first formal management role will be considered if they bring strong cross-functional influence, strategic thinking, and a track record of execution.
• Familiarity with matrixed organizations, cross-functional collaboration, and navigating competing priorities across business units and corporate functions.
• Experience working with identity-preserved supply chains, sustainability standards, and traceability programs is a strong plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

English fluency is essential. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to respond to either common and sensitive inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers. High attention to detail and a keen eye for esthetics.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

• Must demonstrate seasoned judgment and versatility across a wide range of business situations. Able to define complex problems, collect and synthesize data from diverse sources, establish relevant facts, and draw valid, actionable conclusions.
• Must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing short-term execution with long-term strategy, and making decisions that consider financial, operational, and reputational risk.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams, challenge assumptions constructively, and adapt reasoning to fit matrixed organizational dynamics and evolving market conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit or stand. The Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally exposed to a non-manufacturing, office type environment and not subject to noise, dust, industrial type machinery.

FOOD SAFETY/SECURITY AND QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

The Company is committed to producing and delivering defect-free products that are in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and are of the highest levels of food safety, quality and productivity. To ensure this, all employees are required to be trained on and adhere to the FDA Current Good Manufacturing Policies as set forth by the Company as they pertain to personnel practices, equipment, and facilities. It is also vital that all employees be aware of their work environment and prevent any accidental or intentional adulteration of the products produced at the facility.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bay State Milling is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.