Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement

Lactalis USA; Town of Western (NY); Remote; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis USA is seeking a Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement to lead the milk sourcing strategy and manage direct farm partnerships across Western NY and beyond. You will recruit and onboard new producers, focus on organic transitions, sustainability, and Animal Welfare, and collaborate with CSR, quality, and operations teams.

This role combines remote work with periodic travel, requiring strong communication, project management, and a passion for dairy excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years related industry experience.
• Experience working on or with farms highly preferred.
• Experience in the dairy industry a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of five (5) years job related experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of the milk sourcing strategy as part of the internal milk sourcing team.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new direct milk producers based on regional and milk type needs.
• Foster strong communication and relationships with producers, addressing Animal Welfare and Sustainability topics.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective farmers who fit Lactalis USA direct milk supply sourcing criteria.
• Support organic dairy transitions from Conventional to Organic systems.
• Support technical assistance programs offering services to improve profitability and sustainability.
• Perform administrative functions to support programs, including vendor management and KPI tracking.
• Provide regular progress updates on farm recruitment and program development across units.
• Coordinate with procurement operations to adjust routes and delivery times.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on food safety and PMO compliance, aligning with PMO and plant protocols.
• Assist PR/Marketing in promoting Lactalis USA direct supply programs, including on-farm tours and events.
• Lead initiatives on animal care and carbon footprint reduction with CSR.
• Apply dairy nutrition knowledge to improve feed efficiency and milk productivity.
• Obtain FARM evaluator certification and Cow Signals training.

Skills

Farm relationships

Procurement

Food safety knowledge

CSR coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Majors in agricultural studies or animal science

Job description

Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement

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.

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 Western NY.

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 departmental 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.

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.

Requirements

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