Director, Third Party Hauling

Leads strategic and operational execution of robust relationship management program across the cooperative's raw milk supply chain. Ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective transportation of milk from farm to processing plant. Responsible for negotiating contracts, managing carrier performance and ensuring compliance with regulatory, cooperative standards, and ensuring service to member-owners and plants while reducing cost of moving milk to market. Collaborates with planning team, marketing, processing facilities, carriers, and internal teams to design and execute logistics strategies that support the cooperative's mission, growth, and sustainability. Drive cost efficiency and service excellence through strong vendor relationships and data driven decision making.

Location: this position has flexibility to be based at one of the following DFA offices:

• Kansas City, KS
• Medina, OH
• Syracuse, NY
• Knoxville, TN
• Grapevine, TX
• Corona, CA
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Greeley, CO

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Relationship Management and Standardization
  
  
  
  • Develop and implement standardized program for third party contractors, including but not limited to: contract negotiations, compliance and performance management.
  • Maintain and develop strong and strategic relationships with third party contract haulers.
  • Lead initiatives focused on risk management and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  
  
  
  
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance
  
  
  
  • Cultivate a culture of safety, compliance and accountability across the third-party contractor network
  • Create and maintain standardized process for onboarding and continually evaluating safety and regulatory compliance of third-party haulers
  • Fully address compliance and safety concerns with urgency
  
  
  
  
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  
  
  
  • Partner with marketing, planning staff, and plants to align milk movements with cooperative priorities and regulatory standards.
  • Serve as liaison between cooperative and third-party contractors to align hauling plans with business needs.
  • Collaborate with national balancing teams to optimize cross-area movements and market efficiency.
  
  
  
  
• Team Leadership
  
  
  
  • Lead, develop and collaborate with a strong team of regional third-party hauler managers across regions.
  • Build a culture of accountability, safety, member service, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide coaching and direction to ensure alignment with cooperative strategy and operational discipline.
  
  
  
  
• Other Duties
  
  
  
  • The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
  
  
  
  

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, agriculture, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain, preferably with agricultural or perishable commodities.
• 2+ years of people management experience.
• Budget experience, including oversight of multi-million-dollar logistics budgets.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and change management efforts.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, relationship management, farm-to-plant milk logistics, and transportation economics.
• Understanding of perishable commodity logistics, balancing strategies, and regulatory requirements (PMO, DOT, etc.).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and logistics/dispatch planning systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled at building consensus among diverse stakeholders, including member-owners, field staff, and plant management.
• Able to lead and promote a collaborative team environment with a focus on member service and operational efficiency.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel: 50% - 75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans