Dairy Farmers of America
Director, Third Party Hauling
Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Kansas, United States, 66115
Leads strategic and operational execution of a 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 and cooperative standards while serving member‑owners and plants and reducing the cost of moving milk to market. Collaborates with planning, marketing, processing facilities, carriers, and internal teams to design and execute logistics strategies that support the cooperative's mission, growth, and sustainability. Drives cost efficiency and service excellence through strong vendor relationships and data‑driven decision making.
Location
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 a standardized program for third‑party contractors, including 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 a standardized process for onboarding and continually evaluating the 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 the 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
Other duties may be assigned as needed. 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.
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
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Location
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 a standardized program for third‑party contractors, including 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 a standardized process for onboarding and continually evaluating the 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 the 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
Other duties may be assigned as needed. 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.
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr