Cooler Manager

Dairy Farmers of America; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Minneapolis, MN is seeking an experienced Cooler Manager to lead cooler and warehouse operations at our dairy facility. You will oversee inventory accuracy, ensure proper product rotation based on shelf life, and coordinate shipping, receiving, and load-out to meet on-time distribution targets.

You will develop and coach cooler and warehouse staff, enforce food safety and OSHA standards, and drive continuous improvement to reduce costs while safeguarding product

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or related field required.
• 5–8 years in warehouse, cooler, or related setting.
• Supervisory experience or leadership preferred; dairy experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily cooler and warehouse operations for productivity, efficiency, and safety.
• Monitor inventory, codes, and expiration dates for rotation and traceability.
• Coordinate shipping, receiving, and load-out for on-time movement.
• Maintain accurate inventory records including shipments, losses, and damages.
• Coach and develop cooler/warehouse staff and supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with policies, food safety, OSHA, and QA requirements.
• Control department expenses—labor, shrink, and dump costs.
• Investigate incidents, support training, promote safety culture.
• Identify improvements to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Serve as liaison between plant management and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Inventory management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Food safety

Safety culture

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Cooler Manager to lead cooler and warehouse operations within our dairy production facility. This position is responsible for managing inventory levels, ensuring proper product rotation based on shelf life, maintaining inventory accuracy, and overseeing the safe and efficient movement of finished dairy products. The Cooler Manager will lead teams while partnering closely with Production, Distribution, Sales, Customer Service, and Quality teams to ensure products are stored, rotated, and shipped accurately and on time.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage daily cooler and warehouse operations to maximize productivity, efficiency, and safety.
• Monitor inventory levels, product codes, and expiration dates to ensure proper stock rotation and traceability.
• Coordinate shipping, receiving, and load-out activities to ensure timely and accurate product movement.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including shipments, product loss, donations, and damages.
• Lead and develop cooler and warehouse employees and supervisors through coaching, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, OSHA regulations, and quality assurance requirements.
• Control department expenses, including labor, inventory shrink, and cooler dump costs.
• Investigate safety incidents, support training initiatives, and promote a strong safety culture.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between plant management and cross-functional departments to maintain optimal inventory availability and customer service levels.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain, logistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, logistics, or related manufacturing environment.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience required; management experience preferred.
• Experience managing inventory, product rotation, and logistics operations in a food or dairy environment is highly preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Relevant certifications or licenses may be required during employment.

What You'll Bring:

• Strong inventory management and product rotation expertise.
• A commitment to food safety, quality, and workplace safety.
• The ability to lead teams, drive operational excellence, and foster a positive work environment.
• A continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans