Farm Relationship & Procurement Manager

Overview

Farm Relationship & Procurement Manager at Lactalis U.S. Yogurt, Londonderry, NH (hybrid role, regular travel).

From Lactalis in the USA, were committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive. We offer the tools and support to help you succeed from day one.

The Farm Relationship & Procurement Manager supports Lactalis USAs milk sourcing strategy by fostering strong relationships with dairy producers and supporting on-farm initiatives that align with the companys values in sustainability, animal welfare, milk quality, and supply chain efficiency. This role is responsible for managing direct supply relationships, supporting farm-level programs, corporate social responsibility, and contributing to the continuous improvement of milk sourcing practices across all Lactalis USA business units.

This is a hybrid position with regular travel required.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of the milk sourcing strategy as an active participant on the internal milk sourcing team dedicated to milk quality, on-farm sustainability, cost performance, and service level.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new direct milk producers based on regional and milk type needs (Organic, Conventional, NGMO), aligning with company sourcing priorities.
• Serve as a farm liaison by fostering strong communication and relationships with producers while addressing topics such as Animal Welfare, Sustainability, and other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
• Work to identify and cultivate relationships with prospective farmers who fit Lactalis USAs direct milk supply sourcing criteria.
• Preserve existing Organic dairy farms and spur growth of Organic dairy production, including support for transitions from Conventional to Organic systems.
• Support technical assistance programs that offer participating farmers access to individualized services to improve profitability and sustainability, including coordination with third-party providers.
• Perform administrative functions to support programs, including vendor management, tracking spend, and developing and tracking key performance indicators.
• Support leadership in providing regular progress updates on farm recruitment efforts, program development, and implementation across all business units.
• Coordinate with the procurement operations team to adjust when routes and delivery times change.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on food safety and quality, with a focus on on-farm compliance related to Bulk Tank Unit (BTU) Federal and State PMO Ratings, in alignment with the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), plant protocols, and departmental procedures.
• Support PR, Marketing, and Communications teams in promoting Lactalis USA and its direct supply farm relationships, including organizing on-farm tours and virtual events.
• Lead initiatives and projects on animal care and carbon footprint reduction, coordinating activities with the companys CSR team.
• Apply knowledge of dairy cattle nutrition to develop programs and recommendations that lead to feed efficiency and milk productivity.
• Obtain certification as a FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) evaluator across all program areas, including Animal Welfare, Environmental Stewardship (FARM ES), and Workforce Development.
• Complete Cow Signals certification, Lactaliss preferred animal welfare training program.
• Knowledgeable about or ability to quickly develop strong understanding of keys to successful transition from conventional to organic dairy.

Work Conditions

• Extended hours may be necessary depending on project needs.
• Travel to company offices or outside the assigned territory may be required based on business needs.
• Tools such as a computer and phone may be provided; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and contributes to the companys overall performance and success.

Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in agricultural studies, animal science, or a related field, or five or more years of equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of related industry experience required.
• Strong background working on or with farms is highly preferred; experience in the food or dairy industry is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and statistical analysis, with strong mathematical and numerical skills.
• Proven strategic thinking and auditing abilities.
• Expertise in the agricultural environment, including animal science, farm management, and cow treatment and preventative medicine.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs, contribute 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 on any legally-recognized basis including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Job-related Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain
• Industries: Dairy Product Manufacturing