Stefan Benfield, Raw Material Manager

Department: Purchasing Macro Raw Materials

“I spend time talking to suppliers on a daily basis to achieve the best prices, service, new innovations and information. This is only possible when you have close working relationships with suppliers, and win-win  partnerships.”

Never a dull moment

Diversity! No day is the same and there is never a dull moment. I am responsible for the purchasing and management of a portfolio of feed raw materials, ensuring continuity of supply of quality materials and high service to our mills, and at the same time buying at best value prices. 

My work day starts with checking raw material stock and cover reports to ensure my purchase position is where it should be. Once this is done I will begin reading daily global market reports to get a feel for how the market will be trading. Next to that there is a multitude of tasks, from managing individual raw materials to attending calls with colleagues to discuss markets and strategies.

Afbeelding: Stefan-In-line

I spend a lot of time talking to suppliers on a daily basis to achieve the best prices, service, new innovations and information. This is only possible when you have close working relationships with suppliers, and win-win  partnerships.
Being involved in the fascinating world of global commodity markets gives me the opportunity to talk to a wide range of people. I’m also very lucky to work within a great team of knowledgeable colleagues who always find time to provide support when needed.

Commitment and a clear goal

I’m a firm believer that hard work, commitment and a clear goal can and does bring rewards. I began my professional career in electronic engineering but after a year started as a research & development technician. After a few years I joined a large multinational trading company where, with hard work, I was lucky to have several roles from logistics to management, followed by senior roles in trading. 

I chose to leave this career and join ForFarmers because I was drawn in part by the suitability of the role but of equal importance was ForFarmers dynamism, commercial success and the company’s very responsible attitude towards agriculture, it’s customers and global sustainability issues.

ForFarmers provides effective training for the specific role you do, but also provides support for any further training you feel you would like in order to either enhance your effectiveness in your current role or to progress your career further.