Associate Director, Milk Procurement (Organic)

Description

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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring an Associate Director of Milk Procurement (Organic) based in Londonderry, NH.

The Associate Director of Milk Procurement (Organic) will lead Lactalis USA's efforts in sourcing organic fluid milk, developing and executing procurement strategies that align with business goals and sustainability initiatives. This role will be pivotal in managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring optimal cost and quality of milk supply. The position will also play a key role in market analysis, financial planning, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Industrial, and Commercial teams. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep industry knowledge and a passion for organic dairy sourcing and innovation.

The location for this new position will be located in Londonderry, NH and the role will involve frequent travel. The Associate Director of Milk Procurement (Organic) will report to the VP of Milk Collection.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Milk Sourcing Strategy: Lead organic milk sourcing initiatives and long-term strategic planning.
• Commodity Buying/Selling: Manage procurement and sales of dairy commodities, including cream.
• Market Insight/Risk Management: Analyze market trends and pricing to mitigate risk and inform strategy.
• Data & BI Analytics: Utilize data tools to support forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Co-op Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with dairy cooperatives and suppliers.
• Holiday/Seasonal Planning: Ensure milk supply continuity during seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate supplier agreements and pricing structures.
• Pricing and Bonus Programs: Develop and manage pricing models and supplier incentive programs.
• Brand Leadership: Support brand initiatives through strategic sourcing and innovation inputs.
• Develop a strategic vision for the 3-5-year supply of organic milk and cultivate relationships with prospective suppliers who fit our organic milk supply sourcing criteria.
• Serve as the sourcing lead for Organic fluid milk, with a focus on organic supply.
• Develop and execute sourcing/procurement strategies to meet business and sustainability goals.
• Seek out and negotiate contracts and agreements with cooperatives and other milk suppliers.
• Oversee dairy byproduct sales, primarily cream, to maximize returns.
• Ensure delivery of productivity objectives through strategic sourcing and cost management.
• Establish and maintain contacts throughout the dairy industry to stay informed and build influence.
• Actively participate in industry boards and other related activities to represent Lactalis and gain insights.
• Maintain up-to-date information on market activities and industry developments.
• Develop fundamental market analysis of U.S. dairy prices, both conventional and organic.
• Lead the key financial processes, including:
• Budget and latest forecasts
• Monthly analyses and integrity of monthly actuals
• ProForma P&L inputs for innovation, renovation, sales bids, and other commercial initiatives
• Serve as primary liaison to Supply Chain and Industrial teams.
• Coordinate with Milk Procurement Operations team to ensure efficient and optimized scheduling of raw milk and commodities.
• Partner in S&OP processes to develop short- and long-term forecasts for milk.
• Partner with Farm Relationship Associate Director to develop the right mix of direct vs indirect and pricing and bonus programs to incentivize best in class raw milk supply.
• Responsible for Corporate Social Responsibility implementation of cooperative/partner supply.
• Garner support from the organic Farm Relationship team on development of GHG reduction strategies and best practices.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required up to 25% monthly.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, a cell phone is required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

• Bachelor's degree required; major in Business, Agriculture, or Dairy Science preferred.
• 10+ years of dairy procurement or supply chain management experience required.
• Knowledge of the organic dairy market preferred.
• Mastery and knowledge of the agricultural environment (political, economic).
• Expertise in milk management, including producer support (technical, legal, economic, and administrative), milk payments, logistics, and distribution.
• Strong procurement category management skills: ability to define purchasing strategy in alignment with internal needs and supplier market dynamics.
• Proficiency in procurement cost management: identifying cost levers, controlling, forecasting, and reducing costs.
• Supplier management experience: selection, performance improvement, and fostering reliability, quality, service, cost efficiency, and innovation.
• Strong negotiation strategy and tools expertise, including preparation and facilitation of supplier negotiations.
• Analytical thinking skills with the ability to rigorously assess data, identify causes/effects, and make effective decisions.
• Change management expertise to lead transitions, minimize resistance, and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to act as a role model, positively influence others, and drive collective achievement.
• People management experience: talent identification and recruitment, goal setting, delegation, motivation, and team development in a dynamic environment.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.