Manager, Milk Operations and Farm Relationships

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

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, Président® 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 a Manager of Milk Operations and Farm Relationships, based in Nampa, ID.

The Dairy Operations & Farm Relationship Manager will oversee Lactalis USA’s direct milk supply chain, balancing strategic farm relationships with day-to-day operational execution. This role manages the flow of raw milk, cream, skim, and other fluid milk into plants, while fostering strong relationships with dairy producers to ensure sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply. The position plays a key role in implementing sourcing strategies, supporting sustainability initiatives, coordinating with internal supply chain functions, and driving adoption of digital tools such as Ever.ag Milk+.

This hybrid role requires regular interaction with dairy producers, haulers, suppliers, and internal teams, with occasional travel to plants and farms.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Farm Relationship & Procurement

• Contribute to the delivery of Lactalis USA’s milk sourcing strategy, ensuring alignment with milk quality, sustainability, cost, and service goals.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new direct milk producers across Organic, Conventional, and NGMO, aligning with sourcing priorities.
• Act as a liaison with producers on topics including animal welfare, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective farmers; support transitions from conventional to organic systems.
• Coordinate farm-level programs that enhance profitability, sustainability, and milk quality, including technical assistance and third-party services.
• Support PR, Marketing, and Communications in promoting direct farm supply programs, including farm tours and virtual events.
• Obtain and maintain certifications as a F.A.R.M. evaluator (Animal Welfare, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development) and Cow Signals training.
• Ensure on-farm compliance with federal PMO requirements and plant quality protocols.

Operations & Supply Management

• Manage the daily flow of raw milk, cream, skim, and other dairy inputs from suppliers to plants.
• Partner with S&OP and plant scheduling to align supply with operational needs.
• Execute milk and cream buying/selling transactions to optimize supply balance and returns.
• Coordinate with haulers, suppliers, and plant teams to troubleshoot delivery, quality, or capacity issues.
• Drive adoption and utilization of Ever.ag Milk+ scheduling platform across procurement and operations.
• Maintain accurate records of loads, transactions, and variances; generate daily/weekly reports and market monitoring updates.
• Validate invoices, settlements, and volume reconciliations in coordination with Finance and Procurement.
• Support continuity of supply during demand peaks, holidays, and plant maintenance shutdowns.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FMMO, and Lactalis internal quality standards.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Support

• Actively participate in S&OP, supply chain, and procurement meetings to align on daily and long-term plans.
• Provide leadership with regular updates on farm recruitment, program progress, and operational risks.
• Lead or support initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, improve feed efficiency, and enhance overall farm and supply chain sustainability.
• Implement digital tools and new reporting templates to enhance visibility and efficiency across procurement and operations.

Work Conditions:

• Travel is required occasionally. Mostly local travel to farms with some required travel to California and other areas.
• 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) may 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.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Agriculture, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Majors in agricultural studies or animal science are preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of related industry experience is required.
• Strong background working with dairy producers, haulers, and processing plants.
• Experience in the food or dairy industry preferred.
• Knowledge of FMMO pricing, USDA regulations, and on-farm sustainability programs a plus.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of dairy supply chain dynamics (raw milk, cream, skim, FMMO rules, hauling logistics).
• Proficiency in supply chain/scheduling systems; experience with Ever.ag Milk+ a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Excel and other data management tools.

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. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

Read Full Description