Director of Dairy Procurement

At Actus Nutrition, our focus is to create high quality ingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. We are passionate and dedicated people. Each day, we collectively explore new, innovative ways to enhance product performance and value through our broad human and animal nutrition portfolios. The human nutrition division focuses on industry leading whey and milk protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates. The animal nutrition division is a leading supplier of functional fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Both divisions are backed by the speed, execution and passion it takes to exceed the expectation of our customers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program.

The Director of Dairy Procurement will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing the procurement of primary fluid inputs for Actus Nutrition. Working closely with the VP, Procurement, this position combines strategic contribution with hands-on execution. The Director will coordinate weekly milk and whey purchases, manage supplier relationships, support co-product sales, apply risk management tools, and develop economic models to optimize plant profitability. By leveraging deep knowledge in dairy economics and market dynamics, this role helps ensure Actus maintains its reputation as the processor of choice while driving operational excellence and supporting long-term growth.

Essential Functions:

• Actively co-manage the weekly procurement of 20-30 million pounds of milk and whey products. Manage existing suppliers, work with the production plants on capacity, and execute commodity contracts and spot market purchases.
• Manage sales of critical co-products (cream, whey/milk permeate streams) to maximize business value.
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing liquid suppliers across the ACTUS network. Develop a deep understanding of each vendor’s business strategy, strengths, and challenges to foster long-term partnerships that support mutual growth.
• Procure new long-term liquid suppliers by offering comprehensive pay packages that allow ACTUS to continue to strengthen its business and enhance its reputation as the Whey/Milk Processor of choice.
• Use Risk Management tools for milk/liquids and implement the policy that give ACTUS the ability to secure long term pricing with our customers while paying our vendors competitively.
• Develop a master data base of vendors so that ACTUS can monitor the status and history of all vendors.
• Create economic models that project future plant profitability based upon Plant Costs, input costs, production schedules and sales prices.
• Work with the plants and customer service on a weekly basis to create production schedules that maximize the profitability of the plants. To be able to do this, this person must understand the complexities and idiosyncrasies of each plant, its supply base and its customers. These schedules and the economic models that drive these must capture the complexities of the plants but also be easily communicated and understood.
• Communicate industry developments to the management team and actively contribute to long-term strategic planning.
• Monitor vendor quality metrics and assist with implementing improvement plans where necessary to ensure consistent standards.
• Understand and clearly communicate the mass balance across the ACTUS plant network. Identify opportunities to drive efficiencies by shifting suppliers and/or ingredients through the system to maximize profitability.
• Participate in a culture that drives Safety as the most important thing we do every day.
• Lead initiatives with our vendors to implement Capital projects within their facilities to grow our supplier base and add value to our supplier partners. These projects must be coordinated with our Finance group and the destined plant to which the input will go.

Other Duties:

• Develop and maintain a sound working relationship with Sales and Marketing, Quality, Plant Management, Finance and Customer Service.
• Look for ways to work with IT to enhance efficiencies within the role and company using new or existing Technology.
• Join Industry Boards and Clubs to promote ACTUS and the Dairy Industry.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
• 3+ years of experience in liquid dairy operations.
• In depth knowledge of dairy economics, supply chain management, and procurement strategies within the food industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic decisions.
• Proven track record of negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing procurement costs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends and develop proactive procurement strategies.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.

The starting annual base salary for this position is $125,000 USD and up based on experience, with initial eligibility consideration for our Discretionary Incentive Plan. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to education, skill set and depth of experience.

Actus Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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