Logistics and Transportation Manager (Farm Milk Hauling)

Provide farmer-owners a safe, reliable system to transport farm milk to markets in a cost-effective manner, recognizing the importance of a viable hauler base and superior customer service. Skillfully manage a network of third-party haulers. Oversee all aspects of hauler safety and compliance. Work independently and demonstrate full understanding of hauler relations activities and impact to other functional areas; handle and resolve issues or situations of a diverse, difficult and/or complex nature relying on experience, the analysis of multiple sources of information, best practices, and sound judgment. Act as a resource for colleagues in other functional areas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain solid relationships with contract milk haulers; negotiate rates, evaluate haulers, liaise between haulers, customers, sales and marketing, dispatch and membership
• Serve as the primary contact for haulers in the assigned geographic area
• Investigate issues that arise due to hauler's attention to weight variances, paperwork, processes or SOP's in assigned area; develop improvement plans with haulers that need assistance
• Provide financial analysis and hauling and mapping analysis for decision making, strategy development, and negotiating tactics with the objective of providing professional and reliable transportation services in a cost-efficient manner
• Embrace advanced technologies and demonstrate leadership in managing electronic manifest, route optimization and all other pertinent tools in order to gain efficiency and cost savings.
• As opportunities arise, look for strategic hauler realignments or replacements for better milk movement optimization
• Develop monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to drive improvements in areas such as on-time delivery, turn times, ticket accuracy, hauler scorecards, DOT and safety compliance and any other pertinent items
• Develop innovative strategies around hauling options in declining milksheds
• Utilize relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies to drive initiatives that improve hauling conditions and efficiencies
• Coordinate activities and strategies with dispatch and marketing that will strengthen the necessary infrastructure in place to move milk efficiently to our customer base Attend and participate in various Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and industry meetings, presenting and conveying DFA values and promoting a positive DFA and industry image
• Call on customers and farmer-owners in a professional manner to resolve delivery or other service issues
• Create hauler communications and other training materials as needed
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee; but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, agriculture or related field
• 5 - 7 years of related experience in hauling/field/dairy
• Experience with spreadsheet development and analysis required
• Experience using SAP preferred
• Experience with Power BI preferred
• Experience with dairy.com, Ever.ag or other mobile applications preferred
• Certification and/or License - Valid driver's license with no significant restrictions or violations; other certifications may be required during the course of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be tech savvy, have advanced Excel capabilities and be ready to lead using new technologies
• Able to interact effectively with a wide range of people in business and social settings
• Excellent skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Strong skills in communication (verbal, written, and inter-personal), including public speaking
• Able to manage and organize multiple tasks
• Able to make sound business decisions
• Knowledge and understanding of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
• Skills in proficient use of desktop computers and MS Office software applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Able to lead others and work in a group setting
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

Travel: 25% - 50% (up to 1 week per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans