Protein Risk Manager

Position Overview

The Protein Risk Manager serves as the company's subject matter expert in protein commodity markets, risk analytics, and market intelligence. Working closely with Procurement, Finance, and Executive Leadership, this role is responsible for identifying, quantifying, monitoring, and communicating protein market and supply risks that may impact company performance.

The Protein Risk Manager translates complex market dynamics into actionable business recommendations that support strategic sourcing decisions, improve forecast accuracy, reduce earnings volatility, and strengthen supply continuity. Operating within the framework of the company's established Risk Management Policy, this role provides analytical insights and risk management recommendations to help leadership make informed decisions regarding protein procurement and risk exposure.

Responsibilities

Commodity Analysis & Risk Management
•    Monitor pork, beef, poultry, and related protein market fundamentals and pricing trends.
•    Quantify commodity price risk and supply risk across the protein portfolio.
•    Develop and maintain exposure models for key protein categories.
•    Calculate and monitor Value-at-Risk (VaR), Earnings-at-Risk (EaR), and other risk metrics.
•    Conduct scenario analyses and stress testing to evaluate potential business impacts.
•    Recommend risk mitigation strategies consistent with company policy.
•    Monitor and assess hedge effectiveness where applicable.
Market Intelligence & Forecasting
•    Analyze USDA reports, production trends, cold storage data, slaughter and harvest trends, exports, and demand indicators.
•    Develop short-, medium-, and long-term commodity forecasts.
•    Track emerging market developments including animal health, weather, labor, regulatory, and trade-related risks.
•    Provide routine market outlooks to Procurement, Finance, and Executive Leadership.
•    Identify and communicate emerging risks and opportunities.
Strategic Decision Support
•    Provide market intelligence supporting sourcing and contracting decisions.
•    Evaluate fixed-price, formula-priced, and index-based purchasing opportunities.
•    Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
•    Assess impacts of commodity movements on procurement costs and company profitability.
•    Deliver actionable recommendations that balance cost, supply, and risk objectives.
Financial Analysis & Exposure Management
•    Partner with Finance to evaluate commodity exposure and financial impacts.
•    Develop sensitivity analyses and commodity cost projections.
•    Model the effects of changing market conditions on corporate financial performance.
•    Support development of business cases related to risk mitigation strategies.
•    Provide data-driven insights to improve forecast accuracy and financial planning.
Supply Risk Management
•    Monitor supplier, processor, and industry capacity risks.
•    Assess impacts of disease outbreaks, supply disruptions, weather events, labor shortages, and processing constraints.
•    Evaluate supplier concentration and geographic supply exposure.
•    Support contingency planning for critical protein categories.
•    Partner with Procurement and Operations to strengthen supply resiliency.
Executive Reporting & Communication
•    Prepare executive-level commodity market updates and forecasts.
•    Develop risk dashboards and performance reporting.
•    Present market intelligence and risk assessments to Executive Leadership.
•    Clearly translate complex market information into actionable business insights.
•    Provide timely communication regarding significant market events and risk exposures.

Education

•    Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
•    MBA or equivalent preferred

Experience

•    5–10+ years of experience in protein procurement, commodity analysis, risk management, finance, market intelligence, or a related field.
•    Experience working with futures, options, swaps, and commodity risk management programs.
•    Experience with CME livestock markets and protein pricing mechanisms.
•    Experience with forecasting, scenario analysis, and risk assessment.
•    Experience supporting executive leadership with data-driven insights and decision-making.
•    Experience using Power BI, Tableau, or similar business intelligence platforms.

Skills

•    Strong understanding of pork, beef, poultry, and broader protein market fundamentals.
•    Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
•    Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
•    Ability to interpret commodity market trends, pricing, and risk exposure.
•    Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
•    Ability to translate complex market and financial data into clear, actionable insights.
•    Professional certifications in risk management, finance, or analytics are a plus.

Other Requirements

Travel: Minimal

Benefits and Compensation

Members have potential for a monthly bonus and 401k with a company match. Members also have access to terrific benefits including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; and fertility and adoption assistance. Johnsonville also offers competitive paid time off, including paid parental time off, as well as access to the 24/7 onsite fitness center, and onsite medical clinic! Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

 
Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.