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Grain Merchandiser Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Grain Merchandiser information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$123.3K

$196.3K

How much do grain merchandiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain merchandiser in Virginia is $123,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,700.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a grain merchandiser do?

A grain merchandiser purchases and sells grain as a commodity. Based on the market, which fluctuates based on supply and demand, they decide when to buy grain, then store it or process it until it is an ideal time to sell. They buy from farmers at a basis price at harvest, which is set based on the futures price, or the amount a buyer agrees to pay at a later date. Merchandisers often work for grain elevators, processors, or businesses that can hold the grain until resale. This job agriculture and business knowledge.

What does a grain merchandiser do?

A Grain Merchandiser is responsible for buying and selling grain commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. They work with farmers, processors, and buyers to negotiate prices, arrange transportation, and ensure contracts are fulfilled. Their job involves analyzing market trends, managing risks, and maintaining relationships with clients to maximize profitability. Grain Merchandisers play a crucial role in the agricultural supply chain, helping ensure grain moves efficiently from producers to end-users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grain merchandiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grain Merchandiser, you need a solid understanding of agricultural markets, commodity trading, logistics, and a relevant bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, or economics. Familiarity with trading platforms, risk management software, and industry-specific ERP systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, analytical, and relationship-building skills help set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for maximizing profitability, managing market risks, and maintaining strong supplier and customer relationships in a competitive trading environment.

What are some of the main challenges a grain merchandiser faces during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, Grain Merchandisers often face the challenge of managing high volumes of inventory while ensuring timely logistics and delivery. They must closely monitor market prices, weather conditions, and transportation availability to make quick, informed decisions. Coordinating with farmers, buyers, and logistics providers can be demanding, and the fast-paced environment requires strong organizational and negotiation skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is essential for maximizing profitability and maintaining strong client relationships.

What is the difference between Grain Merchandiser vs Grain Buyer?

AspectGrain MerchandiserGrain Buyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer experience in agriculture or commoditiesHigh school diploma or equivalent; knowledge of grain markets
Work EnvironmentOffice, grain storage facilities, transportation sitesOffice, grain elevators, farms
Industry UsageUsed by grain companies, cooperatives, and tradersPrimarily employed by grain elevators, cooperatives, and trading firms

Both roles involve working with grain commodities, but Grain Merchandisers focus on managing sales, logistics, and market analysis, while Grain Buyers primarily purchase grain directly from producers. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the grain industry.

How much money does a grain merchandiser make?

A grain merchandiser's average annual salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits, and strong knowledge of commodity markets and trading skills can influence earnings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia?

For Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Grain Merchandiser jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Grain Merchandiser jobs in VA?

For Grain Merchandiser jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grain Merchandiser job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,262 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Shift Superintendent - Grain Operations

Perdue Farms

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Oversee daily operations that keep our facility running safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. As a Shift Superintendent, you will manage production activities while optimizing inventory flow and coordinating truck, barge, and rail logistics to support timely vessel shipments and a consistent grain supply to the soybean crush facility. You will drive operational efficiency by maximizing storage capacity, blending opportunities, and scheduling effectiveness while maintaining strong cost control. This role is ideal for a results driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at coordinating complex operations, and is committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership for production, logistics and inventory staff to include hiring, training and developing the staff to meet the needs of the facility.
  • Provide leadership for the safety program to ensure safe working conditions for all associates.
  • Effectively manage grain movement through Chesapeake to maximize facility efficiency, revenue generation and meet internal/external customer needs.
  • Effectively monitor and manage the quality and inventory of products through implementation of the facility Inventory Control Program.
  • Ensure compliance with GIPSA/USDA grain handling and warehousing regulations.
  • Coordinate activities and plans with facility management, merchandising and internal/external traffic groups.
  • Coordinate scheduling of vessel loading with the Terminal Manager.

 

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree (Agriculture, Business, or Logistics), or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
  • 5-8 years of experience.
  • Knowledge of grain handling/storage facility operations and technologies.
  • Knowledge of USDA Grain Standards for Domestic and Export operations.
  • Knowledge of rail, truck, barge and vessel logistics.
  • Employee relations experience.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

  • Able to move freely throughout the AgriBusiness facilities to include climbing vertical heights (0 - 150'), carrying tools and equipment (0-50 pounds).
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures (0-100 Degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, (0 - 100%), noise (50db to 100db) and chemicals (MSDS sheets available).
  • Must be able to wear protective equipment to include self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • Required to travel to remote AgriBusiness facilities and customer locations.

#LI-KD1

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.


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