Director, Milk Balancing and Fluid Plant Operations

Job Description

Job 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.

The Director, Milk Balancing and Fluid Plant Operations, will provide strategic and operational leadership for Upstate Niagara Cooperative’s four fluid milk plants and the Cooperative’s milk balancing operations. This role is accountable for achieving world-class standards in manufacturing operations, quality assurance, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. The Director will drive operational excellence, asset optimization, and continuous improvement across multiple sites, with a strong focus on delivering safe, high-quality products in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Critical success factors for this role include strong financial acumen, deep manufacturing experience (preferably in food and beverage), and a demonstrated commitment to quality systems and performance culture.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead operational performance across all fluid plants and milk balancing operations, ensuring production, quality, service, cost, and safety targets are consistently achieved.
• Develop and manage operating budgets , delivering against financial targets for cost control, margin enhancement, and capital investments while identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies.
• Champion a robust quality assurance culture , ensuring adherence to company quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SQF, etc.).
• Optimize manufacturing operations through best-in-class practices, including process improvements, lean methodologies, waste reduction, and equipment utilization.
• Drive milk balancing strategies to maximize product value, minimize waste, and support overall Cooperative goals.
• Mentor and develop plant managers and their leadership teams , promoting a high-performing culture focused on accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee capital projects , ensuring projects are executed on time, within budget, and aligned with operational and strategic business needs.
• Analyze operational KPIs , including yield, shrink, labor efficiency, cost per unit, and quality metrics, using data-driven insights to guide improvements.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance with OSHA, FDA, EPA, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, and Finance to deliver coordinated operational results.
• Lead labor relations strategies and contract negotiations where applicable, fostering constructive relationships in unionized environments.
• Champion safety culture initiatives to ensure employee well-being and compliance with company and industry standards.
• Identify and integrate innovative technologies and automation opportunities to drive efficiency and maintain competitive advantages in manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Core Competencies

Salary : $220,000 - $250,000 a year

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.