Milk/Dairy Buying Assistant Manager
HG Solutions
- Hugoton, KS
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Hugoton, Kansas
Industry: Dairy Manufacturing
Reports to: Senior Regional Manager Americas Oils & Dairy - ProcurementPosition Overview
We re seeking a dynamic and analytical Milk Buying Manager to lead our milk procurement operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building trust with dairy farmers, navigating supply chain complexities, and turning data into actionable insights. You ll be the bridge between our factory and the farms that fuel it.Key Responsibilities
Farmer Relations:
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local dairy farmers
Negotiate milk contracts and ensure fair, transparent pricing
Monitor farm compliance with quality and sustainability standardsProcurement Strategy:
Forecast milk demand and manage supply planning
Optimize milk sourcing to balance cost, quality, and logistics
Collaborate with logistics and production teams to ensure timely deliveryData & Analysis:
Analyze market trends, milk pricing, and farm performance
Prepare detailed reports and dashboards for leadership
Use data to identify cost-saving opportunities and supply risks
Define and monitor KPIs such as service levels, OTIF, plant utilization, and inventory turns
Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy and operational responsivenessCommunication & Presentation:
Create and deliver presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners
Communicate clearly across departments and with farmer networks
Represent the company at industry events and farmer meetings
Partner cross-functionally (operations, quality, finance, RD) to strengthen the end-to-end supply chain.Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree in Agribusiness, Supply Chain, or related field (preferred)
5 7+ years of experience in supply chain management, production planning, or logistics- Dairy Buying Experience a must
Experience working with farmers a must
Strong track record of customer service and escalation management.
Proficiency with ERP and planning systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
Solid understanding of dairy supply dynamics and regulatory requirements.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
Proven experience working directly with dairy farmers or in agricultural procurement
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to travel to farms and industry events locally and internationally as required