Position Title: Transportation & Logistics Planner

Reports To: VP, Milk Marketing Division

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Grade: 8

Pay Range: $85,000-$120,000

Position Overview:

The Logistics & Transportation Manager is responsible for the efficient, safe, and cost-effective coordination and oversight of raw milk transportation from Cayuga Marketing farmer/owners to internal and external processing facilities and customers. This role manages daily milk logistics, transportation planning, scheduling, third-party hauler relationships, customer and farmer/owner service, transportation costs, fleet and terminal operations, compliance, and logistics data.

The position plays a critical role in maintaining the continuous movement of raw milk within a 24/7/365 supply chain. The Manager must balance milk supply, customer demand, plant requirements, transportation capacity, quality, service expectations, regulatory requirements, and profitability while responding quickly to changing conditions.

The successful candidate is a highly organized and analytical logistics professional who can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions under pressure, communicate clearly with farmer/owners, customers, haulers, and internal stakeholders, and independently resolve operational challenges. The position requires regular interaction with third-party transportation providers and scheduled participation in an on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Logistics Planning & Transportation Management
• Transportation Cost & Performance Management
• Fleet, Terminal & Transportation Assets
• Systems, Data & Administration
• Compliance, Safety & Quality
• Farmer/Owner, Customer & Hauler Relations
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement
• On-Call & Operational Support

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Transportation, Distribution Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, distribution, or related operations preferred.
• Experience in dairy, food and beverage, agriculture, manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry strongly preferred.
• Experience with raw milk transportation, farm-to-plant logistics, bulk food transportation, or other time-sensitive transportation operations strongly preferred.
• Experience managing third-party transportation carriers and service providers.
• Experience with transportation management systems, routing software, GPS/fleet monitoring technology, or dispatch systems preferred.
• Experience with fleet, terminal, or transportation asset management preferred.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Class A CDL is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of transportation, logistics, distribution, routing, dispatching, and supply chain principles and practices.
• Understanding of the economics of transportation, including routing, utilization, freight costs, carrier performance, and load efficiency.
• Knowledge of applicable DOT, DMV, OSHA, USDA, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate multiple variables and make timely decisions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and remain calm and effective in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment without constant supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish productive relationships with farmer/owners, customers, haulers, employees, vendors, and management.
• Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize transportation management, dispatch, routing, fleet, and company-specific software systems.
• Ability to analyze operational and financial data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive business, customer, farmer/owner, and financial information.

Physical Requirements

Ability to navigate all areas of Cayuga Marketing and related transportation facilities, including offices, truck terminals, maintenance areas, wash facilities, fuel stations, loading areas, and exterior grounds. Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering designated operational areas. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, climb, balance, crouch, push, and pull as necessary to perform job responsibilities. Ability to work at varying heights and around trucks, trailers, loading equipment, and other transportation assets. Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodation. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately and safely. Ability to assess weights, judge distances, and safely navigate transportation and operational environments.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is primarily an in-office position with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement based on business needs and job responsibilities. Normal work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; schedule may vary based on operational requirements. Must be available for scheduled evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours support as part of the milk dispatch/on-call rotation. The position operates within a 24/7/365 raw milk supply chain and requires flexibility to respond to operational needs outside normal business hours. Travel of approximately 15%–25% may be required, generally one to two times per quarter, including attendance at industry meetings, transportation-related activities, and other business functions.

Disclaimer

The requirements and responsibilities described above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, or abilities required. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs require.