Sr. Hauler Relations Specialist

Provide farmer-owners a safe, reliable system to transport farm milk to markets in a cost-effective manner, recognizing the importance of a viable hauler base and superior customer service. Skillfully manage a network of third-party haulers. Oversee all aspects of hauler safety and compliance. Work independently and demonstrate full understanding of hauler relations activities and impact to other functional areas; handle and resolve issues or situations of a diverse, difficult and/or complex nature relying on experience, the analysis of multiple sources of information, best practices, and sound judgment. Act as a resource for colleagues in other functional areas.

Location: this position has flexibility to be based at the DFA office in Corona, CA or Salida, CA.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain solid relationships with contract milk haulers; negotiate rates, evaluate haulers, liaise between haulers, customers, sales and marketing, dispatch and membership
• Establish and maintain strong organizational structure for contract, negotiation and performance tracking.
• Serve as the primary contact for haulers in the assigned geographic area.
• Investigate issues that arise due to hauler's attention to weight variances, paperwork, processes or SOP's in assigned area; develop improvement plans with haulers that need assistance
• Provide financial analysis and hauling and mapping analysis for decision making, strategy development, and negotiating tactics with the objective of providing professional and reliable transportation services in a cost-efficient manner
• Embrace advanced technologies and demonstrate leadership in managing electronic manifest, route optimization and all other pertinent tools in order to gain efficiency and cost savings.
• As opportunities arise, look for strategic hauler realignments or replacements for better milk movement optimization
• Develop monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to drive improvements in areas such as on-time delivery, turn times, ticket accuracy, hauler scorecards, DOT and safety compliance and any other pertinent items
• Develop innovative strategies around hauling options in declining milksheds
• Utilize relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies to drive initiatives that improve hauling conditions and efficiencies
• Coordinate activities and strategies with dispatch and marketing that will strengthen the necessary infrastructure in place to move milk efficiently to our customer base
• Attend and participate in various Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and industry meetings, presenting and conveying DFA values and promoting a positive DFA and industry image
• Call on customers and farmer-owners in a professional manner to resolve delivery or other service issues
• Create hauler communications and other training materials as needed
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee; but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, agriculture or related field
• 5 - 7 years of related experience in hauling/field/dairy
• Experience with spreadsheet development and analysis required
• Experience using SAP preferred
• Experience with Power BI preferred
• Experience with dairy.com, Ever.ag or other mobile applications preferred
• Certification and/or License - Valid driver's license with no significant restrictions or violations; other certifications may be required during the course of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be tech savvy, have advanced Excel capabilities and be ready to lead using new technologies
• Able to interact effectively with a wide range of people in business and social settings
• Excellent skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Strong skills in communication (verbal, written, and inter-personal), including public speaking
• Able to manage and organize multiple tasks
• Able to make sound business decisions
• Knowledge and understanding of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
• Skills in proficient use of desktop computers and MS Office software applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Able to lead others and work in a group setting
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans