Short Intro and About the Job

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Liquid Tanker Flow Management

• 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

Supplier Engagement

• 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

Operational Coordination and Collaboration

• 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

Data and Systems

• 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

Project Planning, Analysis and Execution

• 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

The salary range for this position is $81,000-116,000 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

Preferred Candidate Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or 5-7 years of equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years' experience in logistics or supply chain

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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