Raw Milk Logistics Coordinator

Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Position Summary:

The Raw Milk Logistics Coordinator is responsible for the daily coordination and operational disbursements of raw milk from member-owner farms to Upstate Niagara Cooperative (UNC) processing facilities and external bulk customers. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the cooperative's milk supply is moved safely, efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with applicable regulatory, quality, food safety, and cooperative requirements.

The Raw Milk Logistics Coordinator evaluates milk supply, plant demand and capacity, transportation availability, weather conditions, plant operating conditions, customer requirements, milk quality considerations, and other operational factors to determine appropriate milk scheduling, routing, load assignments, and diversions.

The position requires independent judgment and timely decision-making within established cooperative policies and procedures. The Coordinator works closely with milk haulers, processing plants, Milk Procurement, Membership staff, member-owner farms, and other internal and external partners to resolve operational issues and maintain an efficient and reliable milk supply network.

The position reports to and works closely with the Director of Logistics and Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily raw milk pickup and delivery schedules with haulers, processing plants and the Membership team.

• Monitor and balance milk supplies versus plant demand across the cooperative’s network of plants and external customers.

• Communicate with milk haulers to ensure timely pickups, efficient routing and compliance with all temperature, milk pickup and quality requirements.

• Track, schedule and inventory all milk movements using the cooperative’s logistics and milk accounting systems including Milk Moovement.

• Work with the team to redirect loads as needed based on operational changes, weather events, plant maintenance, equipment issues and other downtime that may occur.

• Serve as a key point of contact for plants, milk haulers and field staff for real-time logistics updates, schedule changes and problem resolution.

• Maintain accurate documentation of milk schedules and schedule changes, load weights, hauler digital tickets, purchased milk tickets; review information for accuracy and discrepancies and work with the balancing team to resolve issues as needed.

• Collaborate with the team to seek transportation efficiency opportunities and assist in developing continuous improvement plans for routing and cost reduction opportunities.

• Participate in the on-call rotation to manage milk movement and transportation issues during evenings, weekends, holidays and off-hours.

• Maintain Hauling Committee meeting minutes and assist with the issuance and maintenance of Hauler Contracts.

• Develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with haulers, bulk customers, and internal cooperative plants and departments.

• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Dairy Science or Agribusiness or related field preferred

• Two or more years of experience in logistics coordination, transportation planning, or dairy operations is preferred. Experience working in dairy transportation or milk procurement is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a time critical environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally and accurately with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective relationships with haulers, UNC plants and bulk customers.

• Proficient with computer applications, spreadsheets and milk accounting software.

• Ability to make timely, purposeful decisions in response to changing operating conditions.

• Ability to remain calm, organized and solution-oriented when managing unexpected changes or time sensitive logistics issues.

• Knowledge of dairy transportation regulations and milk quality standards

Working Conditions

• Office based position with regular use of computers, telephones, email and other communication systems.

• Regular communication with milk haulers, processing plants, field-staff and internal departments.

• Occasional travel to processing plants, member farms or other UNC locations may be required.

• This position requires participation in on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and other off-hours as scheduled.

Pay: $60K-$80k a year*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.