Associate Logistics Planner

Dairy Farmers of America hiring for Associate Logistics Planner jobs in Medina, OH, US

General Purpose:

Directs truckloads and coordinates delivery from farm to processing plant to ensure orders are shipped per delivery requirements in the most efficient, cost-effective manner. Effectively communicate with all other Mideast Area (MEA) functional departments on logistics-related matters.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide efficient, optimized delivery of raw milk to our customers. Primary contact for haulers and planning personnel from our customers for all scheduling and ordering. Update schedules based on current data available and customer needs.
• Utilize EverAg scheduling software for load planning while accounting for hauler and plant limitations, delivery dates/times, volume, etc. Become proficient in the Mobile Manifest application used by haulers for assembling farm routes. Use mileage and optimization tools for scheduling at least cost to members depending on constraints.
• Communicate effectively with customers, haulers, and DFA staff via phone, email, text message or videoconferencing. Establish relationships with customers at plant level, and contract haulers to become familiar with their operations to ensure optimal service.
• Support Continuous Process Improvement by evaluating historical seasonality, current volumes of milk, hauler/customer constraints, to provide the most cost effective and efficient solutions to our customers’ raw milk demands.
• Work cross functionally to solve problems including, but not limited to, delays, incorrect delivery location, quality issues, additional hauling costs, rejections, etc. Actively engage in team and group projects providing input and improvement initiatives. Complete action plans individually or as part of a team as a collaborative effort.
• Set up outside hauling for transport when needed for raw milk in collaboration with hauler relations team
• Keep management team apprised of milk transport challenges, including rejected loads, and assist in their resolution.
• Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reporting documents.
• Proactively identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement. Thinks creatively and abstractly to develop alternative possibilities to drive supply chain performance.
• Be part of on-call rotation including evenings, weekends and some holidays
• 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 transportation, logistics, supply-chain, milk marketing, dairy/food science, agriculture or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• One to three years of related experience in dairy, milk marketing or logistics preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication, problem-solving and people skills
• Good attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Good computer skills including MS Office software (Excel and Word)
• Ability to switch between tasks frequently
• Good customer service and listening skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to operate in a team environment by communicating effectively
• Valid driver’s license with no significant violations or restrictions
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel:

• 5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

Scope: 

• Interact with approximately 100 milk haulers. Department schedules approximately 375 loads of milk per day.

An Equal Opportunity Employer