Cooler Manager

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Minneapolis, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Cooler Manager to lead cooler and warehouse operations at our dairy production facility.

You will manage inventory levels, ensure product rotation based on shelf life, maintain accuracy, and oversee the safe movement of finished products while coordinating with Production, Distribution, Sales, Customer Service, and Quality teams. Responsibilities include leading teams, monitoring inventory, coordinating shipping/receiving, enforcing food

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain, logistics, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, or production environment.
• Supervisory or leadership experience required; management experience preferred.
• Experience in food or dairy environments is highly preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily cooler and warehouse operations to maximize productivity, safety, and efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels, codes, and expiration dates for proper rotation and traceability.
• Coordinate shipping, receiving, and load-out for timely product movement.
• Maintain accurate inventory records including shipments, loss, donations, and damages.
• Lead and develop cooler and warehouse staff through coaching and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with policies, food safety standards, OSHA regulations, and QA requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Serve as liaison between plant management and cross-functional departments to optimize availability and service levels.

Skills

Inventory management

Product rotation

Team leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Safety compliance

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain, logistics, or related field

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