Milk Buy & Sell Director

Milk Buy & Sell DirectorJob Locations: US-CO-Louisville; US-NY-White PlainsJob ID: 2026-25274Number of People to Hire: 1Job Family: ProcurementLevel of Experience: Experienced ProfessionalsShort Intro and About the JobJob SummaryThe Milk Buy and Sell Director is responsible for leading Danone's end-to-end milk sourcing strategy across the assigned geography (Global, Americas, or NORAM depending on scope). This role ensures secure access to high-quality, competitively priced raw milk while supporting Danone's sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and carbon-reduction commitments.The Director provides strategic leadership across a complex ecosystem of farms, cooperatives, dairy networks, and internal stakeholders. The Director will also manage a team of 6 people with 3 direct reports.Key ResponsibilitiesMilk Sourcing Strategy & ExecutionDefine and deploy the category strategy for raw milk procurement in alignment with global milk sourcing leadership.Develop short-, mid-, and long-term sourcing scenarios based on dairy market trends, supply/demand outlooks, plant needs, and cost forecasts.Ensure resilience of supply, including contingency sourcing, risk mitigation, and network optimization.Partner with cross-functional teams in Operations, Quality, Agriculture, Planning, and Finance to secure milk aligned with production and innovation roadmaps.Supplier Relationship ManagementLead strategic partnerships with farms, cooperatives, and upstream milk supply entities within the assigned scope.Build annual supplier engagement plans, capability assessments, and continuous improvement roadmaps.Negotiation & ContractingLead major negotiations with milk suppliers, ensuring competitive and stable pricing structures.Oversee contracting strategy, frameworks, and documentation in partnership with Legal and Finance.Ensure contract governance complies with global and local Delegation of Authority (DOA) rules.Market Intelligence & Risk ManagementMonitor dairy markets, feed cost dynamics, weather-related risks, economic policy changes, and supply chain disruptions.Translate insights into actionable recommendations for senior leadership and zone/category teams.Partner with global teams to harmonize forecasting inputs, risk mapping, and strategic sourcing decisions.Financial OwnershipOwn budget, forecast accuracy, and financial performance for all milk-related cost buckets.Track variance drivers, commodity exposure, haulage implications, and co-product economics.Drive structural cost reduction initiatives (farm efficiencies, network routing, contract redesign).Governance, Reporting & Stakeholder AlignmentEnsure compliance with all internal controls, DOA processes, and audit expectations.Contribute to global reporting and performance reviews coordinated by the Milk Performance Director.Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead and develop a high-performing procurement team (managers, analysts, SRMs).Coach teams on category strategy, negotiation, financial acumen, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement.Foster a culture of collaboration, resilience, and continuous improvement consistent with C&P strategic pillars.Compensation & BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $139,000 - $199,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on factors including relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America also offers a performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401(k) Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other options. This role is hybrid, with collaboration across Danone Hubs; regular office presence is expected at least 3 days per week.About YouEducationBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Agricultural Economics, Food Science, or Business (required).Master's degree (MBA or MSc in Supply Chain, Agribusiness, or Economics) preferred.ExperienceMinimum 10+ years in procurement, sourcing, or agricultural supply chains with progressive leadership.Proven track record in strategic negotiations, supplier leadership, and commodity management.Experience in dairy or perishable ingredients required.Background operating within global matrix organizations is an advantage.Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership presence, ability to influence senior stakeholders, deep understanding of dairy markets and cost drivers, advanced negotiation, financial acumen, and strategic storytelling.Thrives in complexity, ambiguity, and fast-moving environments.Equal OpportunityDanone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.Data PrivacyCalifornia Data Privacy Law information may apply where required.#J-18808-Ljbffr