Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement

Lactalis USA; Buffalo (NY); Remote; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards program

Education reimbursement options

Job summary

Lactalis USA is hiring a Farm Relationships & Procurement Manager to lead direct milk producer recruitment, on-farm programs, and sustainable sourcing across the dairy portfolio. This remote role in New York requires coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to improve milk quality, animal welfare, and supply chain efficiency.

You will develop relationships with farms, oversee program implementation, and advance certifications such as FARM and Cow Signals, with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher; or equivalent experience with a minimum of five years in related role.
• Experience building and managing direct milk supplier relationships and on-farm programs.
• Knowledge of dairy sustainability, animal welfare, and food safety is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment and onboarding of direct milk producers.
• Develop and manage milk sourcing strategy across Lactalis USA units.
• Coordinate with procurement and operations on route planning and delivery changes.
• Support farm-level CSR initiatives and on-farm audits.
• Promote certifications such as FARM and Cow Signals training.
• Provide regular progress updates to senior leadership.

Skills

Farm relationships

Project management

Communication

Dairy industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Agricultural studies or animal science preferred

Job 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, President 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, Farm Relationships & Procurement, who will have the ability to work Remote in NY.

The Farm Relationship Manager supports Lactalis USA's milk sourcing strategy by fostering strong relationships with dairy producers and supporting on-farm initiatives that align with the company's 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.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to delivery of the milk sourcing strategy as an active participant on 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 USA direct milk supply sourcing criteria.
• Actively seek opportunities to 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 department procedures.
• Support PR, Marketing, and Communications teams in promoting Lactalis USA and its business units' 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 company's 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 F.A.R.M. (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) evaluator across all program areas, including Animal Welfare, Environmental Stewardship (FARM ES), and Workforce Development. Additionally, complete Cow Signals certification, Lactalis' 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 the project needs.
• While this role is primarily remote, occasional travel to company offices or outside the assigned territory may be required based on business needs
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• 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.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of five (5) years job related experience
• Majors in agricultural studies or animal science are preferred.

Experience

• 3+ years related industry experience is required.
• Experience working on or with farms is highly preferred.
• Experience in the food or dairy industry a plus.

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 Affiliated Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

$85,000-$95,000