(USA) Senior Manager, Dairy Producer Relations - Manufacturing

Walmart•Valdosta, GA

21d•$116,000 - $174,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Dairy Producer Relations develops and implements programs to attract and retain producers and cooperatives, sourcing raw product supplies that meet business needs, sustainability standards, and industry best practices. The role manages producer relationships across an assigned region, serves as the primary producer contact, addresses producer needs and payment questions, and ensures appropriate compensation in line with the Federal Marketing Order. It monitors producer and cooperative compliance, productivity, product quality, animal welfare, and sustainability, including onsite audits and collaboration with veterinarians and quality assurance and food safety teams. The position works with plants, Home Office, Logistics, and producers to meet production needs and quality standards; increase raw product supply; and develop productivity initiatives that improve production, quality, profitability, and environmental impact. It represents the company to producers and cooperatives, identifies innovative and sustainable practices, and supports media relations through cross-functional communications and relationships with journalists and bloggers. The role also drives multiple business plans and projects, evaluates program effectiveness, removes barriers, measures performance, and adjusts plans. It supervises and develops associates through hiring, training, mentoring, performance management, recognition, and coaching. The manager promotes company policies, values, ethics, compliance, and a workplace of belonging, while supporting community outreach and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, dairy or food science, or a related area; alternatively, four years of experience in agriculture, agribusiness, dairy or food science, or a related area.
Under the experience-based qualification option: two years of experience in contract negotiations with producers and cooperatives.
Two years of experience in the food manufacturing industry.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, dairy or food science, or a related area.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement producer and cooperative attraction and retention programs, including goals, structures, and participation expectations.
Identify producers aligned with current business needs, sustainability standards, and industry best practices; create a network of raw product producers and procure supplies for marketing programs.
Develop producer relationships, serve as the primary contact, identify needs and concerns, and translate them into services and benefits.
Ensure producers are compensated appropriately and in accordance with the Federal Marketing Order; explain payments and resolve monthly discrepancies.
Manage producers and cooperatives across an assigned region, monitoring compliance and productivity, including through onsite audits and reviews of quality, animal treatment, sustainability, and other compliance concerns.
Collaborate with veterinarians on animal welfare examinations and communicate potential quality, animal welfare, and sustainability issues to quality assurance and food safety teams; resolve concerns with producers.
Collaborate with the plant, Home Office, and Logistics to meet production needs and quality standards.
Develop productivity initiatives to increase production and improve quality, profitability, and environmental impact; collaborate with producers to increase raw product supply for production growth or plant capabilities.
Represent the company to producers and cooperatives using company message frameworks; identify producers engaged in innovative and sustainable practices and ensure external audiences understand Walmart's culture and values.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on communications and media relations; develop and maintain relationships with journalists and bloggers and address potential media opportunities.
Drive business plans and projects by identifying needs, communicating priorities, removing barriers, providing resources, setting and measuring performance standards, adjusting performance, and developing contingency plans.
Supervise and develop associates by selecting, training, mentoring, assigning duties, setting expectations, conducting performance evaluations, recognizing contributions, and coaching.
Promote company policies, procedures, mission, values, ethics, and compliance; provide direction and support use of the Open Door Policy.
Evaluate the effectiveness of plans, programs, and initiatives; consult stakeholders and apply suggestions to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness; participate in and support community outreach events.
Model company values by building collaborative, high-performing teams; developing talent; acting with integrity; serving customers and members; and driving continuous improvement.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k).
Stock purchase plan.
Company-paid life insurance.
Paid time off, including sick leave, and PTO and/or PPTO for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
Parental leave, family care leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, and voting leave.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Company discounts.
Military Leave Pay.
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
Live Better U, a Walmart-paid education benefit program for eligible associates, covering tuition, books, and fees for programs ranging from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, English Language Learning, and short-form certificates.
Performance-based bonus awards and annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Stock compensation may be available for certain positions.
Regional Pay Zone compensation based on location may apply to certain positions.