Manager Agriculture Economics

This is an Arden Hills, MN based role.

The Manager, Agricultural Economics and Foresight will lead efforts in partnership with the Executive Leadership team to deliver actionable insights for market, industry, and competitive intelligence. This candidate will require an in-depth understanding of the agricultural industry and the macroeconomy, as well as quantitative capabilities. With a strong background in agricultural market analysis, research methodologies, and scenario planning, this role is central to shaping strategic decisions within the organization. The candidate will be responsible for conducting in-depth research, managing complex projects, and presenting forecasts that support long-term planning and decision-making pertaining to global trends, market developments, and future scenarios specific to the grain and oilseed industry.

Key Responsibilities: 

Competitive insights & Scenario Planning

• Utilize foresight techniques, including scenario planning, trend forecasting, and econometric modeling, to develop long-term strategies. Anticipate future trends and provide actionable insights to guide business decisions. 

Market Intel

• Direct agricultural market intel support for Corporate Strategy Team, Executive Leadership Team, and Business Unit Leaders.

• Analyze numerous sources of data and market intelligence to develop nuanced messages about industry shifts. Use excel and data visualization tools to provide clear, data-driven insights.

• Respond to requests for industry intelligence to support decision making and strategy development. Much of this work will be for the CEO, COO, and division leaders for WinField and Animal Nutrition.

• Requests are often detailed, time-sensitive, and require experience navigating dozens of sources of data/information.

Macroeconomic Research

• Follow and report on significant changes in economic data and monetary policy, and interpret how it will impact Land O’Lakes and its industries.

• Lead comprehensive research efforts on agricultural and macroeconomic trends, market intelligence, and industry developments. Provide in-depth analysis to identify emerging risks and opportunities. 

• It is important that the candidate has a solid understanding of the US and global economies, a familiarity with key data, and ability to interpret key data when it is released.

Data/Visual Platform Building

• Work with tech and data teams in Business Units (BUs) to develop and update data platforms that will be used for auto-updated intelligence and predictive insights.

• Ability to aggregate data and tell a meaningful story in support of the broader Ag Business portfolios.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders to communicate insights and strategic recommendations. Present research findings to Executive Leadership Team. 

• Project Management: Manage multiple complex research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of insights. Define project scopes, research methodologies, and performance metrics. 

• Thought Leadership: Stay current on agricultural and economic issues, policy changes, and technological advancements. Be the eyes and ears for senior leadership, discern value from distraction, and deliver timely insights. 

• Collaboration & Networking: Build industry relationships to gather a wide range of perspectives and data.

Required Qualifications: 

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or related field.  

Experience:

• 4 or more years of direct Agricultural Economics industry experience - required
• 4 or more years of experience in agricultural and economic research, global market analysis, or a related field-- Crop inputs, grain, and/or oilseed industry - preferred
• Proven track record of delivering impactful insights - required
• Expertise in economic, financial, and data analysis - required
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data - required

• Ability to travel 10% or more (daily, extended hours and some overnight stays) - required

Salary range: $123,920 - $185,880 (in most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges) 

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.    

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.