Upstream Milk Manager

Danone•Louisville, CO

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Upstream Milk Manager plays a critical role in managing the flow of raw milk from farm to plant, ensuring supply continuity, quality compliance and cost efficiency. This role is central to coordinating logistics, procurement and supplier relationships across Danone’s network with a focus on operational excellence. This role does require rotating On-Call nights and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or 5-7 years of equivalent experience
Minimum 2 years’ experience in logistics or supply chain
Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint ,with experience in SAP or other ERP systems, as well as transportation planning software
Flexible and available to support after-hours needs, including handling calls from haulers, plants, or regulatory agencies and directing next steps for load disposition and destination (includes rotating weekend and holiday on-call coverage)
Proven ability to influence outcomes and drive results across teams without direct authority
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and continuously changing environment

Responsibilities

Ensure Danone plants are consistently supplied with milk and other liquid products to meet production requirements
Utilize scheduling tools to coordinate with plants, haulers, and suppliers on schedule changes and ensure receiving windows are accurately assigned
Manage buy/sell actions for excess or supplemental product based on plant direction
Communicate operational changes clearly and promptly with haulers
Ensure all milk handling and transportation activities comply with internal Danone standards as well as industry safety, regulatory, and quality requirements
Analyze historical data to identify trends and track key performance indicators (KPIs)
Effectively manage highly time-sensitive and perishable products
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and haulers to ensure consistent supply and adherence to contract terms
Provide suppliers with KPI reporting, and lead performance tracking, attainment reviews, and ongoing performance discussions
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align milk, cream, CSM, and UF supply with production requirements
Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturing sites to ensure quality compliance and continuity of supply
Partner cross-functionally to support execution of the broader milk strategy
Drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and reliability
Create Purchase orders, manage hauler payroll and maintain accurate reporting for stakeholders
Manage process flow to ensure timely supplier and hauler payments
Track diversion drivers, root causes and pricing to support balancing tracking and monthly close process
Support project timelines by coordinating key stakeholders and tracking open items
Work with other team members to ensure project success and tracking
Analyze data and help perform tasks needed to complete projects