Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement

Lactalis USA Inc. • Buffalo, NY

8d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Remote

About The Position

Lactalis USA is hiring a Manager, Farm Relationships & Procurement to support its milk sourcing strategy. The role fosters relationships with dairy producers and supports farm-level initiatives related to sustainability, animal welfare, milk quality, and supply chain efficiency. It manages direct supply relationships, supports farm programs and corporate social responsibility initiatives, and helps continuously improve milk sourcing practices across Lactalis USA business units. The position can be performed remotely in Western New York, with occasional travel to company offices or outside the assigned territory as business needs require.

The manager contributes to the internal milk sourcing team, recruits and onboards direct milk producers, and supports both existing and prospective suppliers. The role also supports programs that provide farmers individualized technical assistance, administers program vendors and performance tracking, coordinates procurement adjustments when routes or delivery times change, and provides progress updates to leadership. It serves as a subject matter expert on on-farm food safety and quality compliance, supports communications and farm events, leads animal care and carbon footprint initiatives with the CSR team, and applies dairy cattle nutrition knowledge to improve feed efficiency and milk productivity. Required training includes F.A.R.M. evaluator certification across program areas and Cow Signals certification.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of related industry experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent experience that includes at least 5 years of job-related experience.
• Knowledge of dairy cattle nutrition.
• Obtain F.A.R.M. evaluator certification across the specified program areas and complete Cow Signals certification.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop a strong understanding of, successful transitions from conventional to organic dairy.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Majors in agricultural studies or animal science are preferred.
• Experience working on or with farms is highly preferred.
• Experience in the food or dairy industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the milk sourcing strategy as an active participant on the internal milk sourcing team, focusing on 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, including Organic, Conventional, and NGMO, in alignment with sourcing priorities.
• Foster communication and relationships with producers and address animal welfare, sustainability, and other corporate social responsibility topics.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective farmers who meet direct milk supply sourcing criteria.
• Seek opportunities to preserve existing Organic dairy farms and grow Organic dairy production, including supporting transitions from Conventional to Organic systems.
• Support technical assistance programs that provide farmers individualized services to improve profitability and sustainability, including coordinating with third-party providers.
• Perform program administration, including vendor management, spend tracking, and developing and tracking key performance indicators.
• Provide leadership with regular progress updates on farm recruitment, program development, and implementation across business units.
• Coordinate with procurement operations when routes and delivery times change.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on food safety and quality, particularly on-farm compliance with Bulk Tank Unit Federal and State PMO Ratings, the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, plant protocols, and departmental procedures.
• Support PR, Marketing, and Communications teams in promoting direct-supply farm relationships, including organizing on-farm tours and virtual events.
• Lead animal care and carbon footprint reduction initiatives in coordination with the company CSR team.
• Apply dairy cattle nutrition knowledge to develop programs and recommendations that improve feed efficiency and milk productivity.
• Obtain F.A.R.M. evaluator certification across Animal Welfare, Environmental Stewardship (FARM ES), and Workforce Development program areas.
• Complete Cow Signals certification, Lactalis’ preferred animal welfare training program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options.
• Company support for insurance costs.
• Company contributions to retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off from day one.
• Training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager