(USA) Senior Manager, Dairy Producer Relations - Manufacturing

Walmart•Valdosta, GA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Dairy Producer Relations develops and manages producer and cooperative programs and relationships to secure the raw product supplies needed for Walmart’s marketing and production needs. The role identifies producers whose practices meet current business needs, sustainability standards, and industry best practices; builds a network of producers; and serves as the primary contact for producers, translating their needs and concerns into services and benefits. The position ensures appropriate compensation under the Federal Marketing Order, helps producers understand payments, and resolves monthly discrepancies. The role manages producers and cooperatives across an assigned region, monitoring compliance, productivity, product quality, animal treatment and welfare, sustainability, and other concerns. It conducts onsite audits, works with veterinarians on animal welfare examinations, and partners with quality assurance, food safety, plant, Home Office, and Logistics teams to resolve issues and meet production requirements. It also develops productivity initiatives to increase supply and improve quality, profitability, and environmental impact, including supporting plant growth and new capabilities. As a company representative to producers and cooperatives, the position implements communications frameworks, identifies innovative and sustainable producer practices, and supports media relations through relationships with journalists and bloggers. It drives multiple business plans and projects, supervises and develops associates, promotes company policies and values, and evaluates plans and initiatives to ensure business needs are met. The role is expected to model Walmart’s leadership expectations around respect, integrity, customer service, 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.
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 suitable producers and build a network of raw product producers to procure supplies for marketing and production programs.
Develop relationships with producers, serve as their primary contact, understand their needs and concerns, and translate those needs into services and benefits.
Ensure producers are compensated appropriately under the Federal Marketing Order; explain payments and resolve monthly discrepancies.
Manage producers and cooperatives across an assigned region and monitor compliance and productivity, including through onsite audits and reviews of external resources, product quality, animal treatment, sustainability, and other compliance concerns.
Collaborate with veterinarians on animal welfare examinations and coordinate with quality assurance and food safety teams on potential quality, animal welfare, and sustainability issues.
Address producer concerns and ensure quality, animal welfare, and sustainability issues are resolved.
Collaborate with plant, Home Office, and Logistics teams to meet production needs and quality standards.
Develop and implement productivity initiatives to increase production and improve quality, profitability, and environmental impact.
Work with producers to increase raw product supply for production growth or new plant capabilities.
Represent the company to producers and cooperatives using established message frameworks; help external audiences understand Walmart’s culture and values.
Identify producers engaged in innovative and sustainable practices.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams on consistent communications and media relations; develop and maintain relationships with national, local, and online journalists and bloggers for proactive and reactive media stories.
Identify, mitigate, and elevate potential media opportunities.
Drive execution of multiple business plans and projects by identifying needs, communicating priorities, removing barriers, providing resources, measuring progress, adjusting performance, and developing contingency plans.
Supervise and develop associates through selection, training, mentoring, assignment of duties, performance expectations and evaluations, recognition, coaching, and support for a team-based and inclusive workplace.
Promote and support company policies, procedures, mission, values, ethics, compliance, and the Open Door Policy by training and directing others.
Evaluate the effectiveness of plans, programs, and initiatives; consult stakeholders and apply suggestions to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness; support community outreach events.
Model Walmart’s expectations to respect individuals, act with integrity, serve customers and members, and strive for excellence.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k).
Stock purchase plan.
Company-paid life insurance.
Paid time off, including sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting leave.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Company discounts.
Military Leave Pay.
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
Walmart-paid Live Better U education benefit, including tuition, books, and fees for eligible programs.
Performance-based bonus awards; annual or quarterly bonuses are noted for this position.
Stock may be additional compensation for certain positions.