Job Description
Grain Operator & Inventory Manager Location:
Benson, NC — on-site at the Mule City Feed Mill Reports to: Mill Manager Type:
Full-time About the role Mule City is a working feed mill and farm-supply operation in Benson, NC. We receive bulk grain, blend our own proprietary and custom-formulated feeds, process oilseed, and serve farmers, ranchers, and retail customers across the region. We're hiring a Grain Operator & Inventory Manager to wear three hats: buy our grain well, run the grain side of the mill, and keep our inventory honest. The buying piece is central — much of our margin is made or lost at the point of purchase, so we need someone who understands local farming patterns, knows when to step in during harvest, and has the farmer relationships to source grain at the right price and the right time. This is a hands-on role for someone equally comfortable negotiating a load of corn, running the mill floor, and reconciling counts in the system. What you'll do Grain buying & merchandising Own grain procurement (corn, oats, barley, wheat, soybeans) — deciding when and how much to buy to keep the mill supplied at the best achievable cost. Build and maintain direct relationships with area farmers; be the trusted point of contact they call first when they have grain to move. Develop intimate knowledge of regional planting and harvest cycles so we're positioned to buy when supply and pricing are most favorable, not just when we're running low. Track market signals — corn basis, price trends, and buying windows — and time purchases to favorable points rather than reacting to shortages. Negotiate pricing and terms, coordinate inbound loads, and manage the grain storage program (tracking customer-stored bushels and monthly storage billing). Grain handling & milling Receive, grade, and document inbound grain, including moisture and quality checks at intake. Operate and monitor grain-handling equipment — augers, legs, bins, and dryers — safely and efficiently. Run mill equipment to blend proprietary Mule City feeds and custom customer formulations to spec. Operate oilseed processing (soybean crush) and manage downstream products (soybean meal, oil). Bag, label, and palletize finished feed (primarily 50-lb bags) and stage bulk loadouts. Inventory management Own physical inventory accuracy in filePro — cycle counts, periodic physical counts, and reconciliation against the system. Close the loop on finished-feed production so completed mill runs are properly recorded back into inventory and on-hand counts stay accurate (this step is inconsistent today, and tightening it up is part of the job). Monitor raw-commodity levels against expected demand and flag genuine shortage risk before it disrupts production. Tie inventory position back to buying decisions so purchasing, storage, and production stay in sync. Safety & upkeep Maintain a clean, safe, OSHA-compliant work area; follow grain-handling and confined-space safety practices. Perform routine equipment checks and coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime. What we're looking for Experience in grain buying, merchandising, or procurement — or deep operational grain experience with a strong feel for the market. Established relationships with farmers in the Benson / eastern NC region, or a demonstrated ability to build them quickly. Working knowledge of regional crop cycles, harvest timing, grain grading, and how basis and commodity pricing move. Experience in a feed mill, grain elevator, or similar agricultural operation, with the mechanical aptitude to operate and troubleshoot grain-handling equipment. Strong attention to detail with inventory systems and recordkeeping; comfort learning filePro (or a similar legacy system). Sound judgment with money — comfortable making purchasing decisions that affect the bottom line. Ability to lift 50+ lbs repeatedly and work in a physically demanding environment, including dust, heat, and seasonal peaks. Nice to have:
forklift certification, CDL, prior P&L or budget responsibility. Pay:
$23.00 - $27.00 per hour Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Retirement plan Safety equipment provided Vision insurance Work Location:
In person
