Job Summary

The Milk Buy and Sell Director is responsible for leading Danone's end-to-end milk sourcing strategy across the assigned geography (Global, Americas, or NORAM depending on scope). This role ensures secure access to high-quality, competitively priced raw milk while supporting Danone's sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and carbon-reduction commitments.

The Director provides strategic leadership across a complex ecosystem of farms, cooperatives, dairy networks, and internal stakeholders

The Director will also manage a team of 6 people with 3 direct reports

Key Responsibilities

1. Milk Sourcing Strategy & Execution

Define and deploy the category strategy for raw milk procurement in alignment with global milk sourcing leadership.
Develop short , mid , and long term sourcing scenarios based on dairy market trends, supply/demand outlooks, plant needs, and cost forecasts.
Ensure resilience of supply, including contingency sourcing, risk mitigation, and network optimization.
Partner with cross functional teams in Operations, Quality, Agriculture, Planning, and Finance to secure milk aligned with production and innovation roadmaps.

2. Supplier Relationship Management

Lead strategic partnerships with farms, cooperatives, and upstream milk supply entities within the assigned scope.
Build annual supplier engagement plans, capability assessments, and continuous improvement roadmaps.

3. Negotiation & Contracting

Lead major negotiations with milk suppliers, ensuring competitive and stable pricing structures.
Oversee contracting strategy, frameworks, and documentation in partnership with Legal and Finance.
Ensure contract governance complies with global and local Delegation of Authority (DOA) rules.

4. Market Intelligence & Risk Management

Monitor dairy markets, feed cost dynamics, weather related risks, economic policy changes, and supply chain disruptions.
Translate insights into actionable recommendations for senior leadership and zone/category teams.
Partner with global teams to harmonize forecasting inputs, risk mapping, and strategic sourcing decisions.

5. Financial Ownership

Own budget, forecast accuracy, and financial performance for all milk related cost buckets.
Track variance drivers, commodity exposure, haulage implications, and co product economics.
Drive structural cost reduction initiatives (farm efficiencies, network routing, contract redesign).

6. Governance, Reporting & Stakeholder Alignment

Ensure compliance with all internal controls, DOA processes, and audit expectations.
Contribute to global reporting and performance reviews coordinated by the Milk Performance Director

7. Leadership & Team Development

Lead and develop a high performing procurement team (managers, analysts, SRMs).
Coach teams on category strategy, negotiation, financial acumen, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement.
Foster a culture of collaboration, resilience, and continuous improvement consistent with C&P strategic pillars.

The salary range for this position is $139,000-199,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

This role is considered a "hybrid" position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

About You

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Agricultural Economics, Food Science, or Business (required).
• Master's degree (MBA or MSc in Supply Chain, Agribusiness, or Economics) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years in procurement, sourcing, or agricultural supply chains with progressive leadership.
• Proven track record in strategic negotiations, supplier leadership, and commodity management.
• Experience in dairy or perishable ingredients required.
• Background operating within global matrix organizations is an advantage.
• Skills & Competencies
• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of dairy markets, cost drivers, and supply-risk levers.
• Advanced negotiation, contracting, and supplier-relationship capabilities.
• High financial acumen and ability to model scenarios.
• Excellent communication and strategic storytelling skills.
• Thrives in complexity, ambiguity, and fast-moving environments.