Director, Milk Balancing and Fluid Plant Operations

Company: Upstate Niagara Cooperative
Location: Lancaster
Posted on: January 16, 2026

Job Description:

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 Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field. 10 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience, preferably in food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing. Demonstrated strong financial acumen , including responsibility for plant P&L, budgeting, cost control, and margin improvement. Expertise in manufacturing operations management , including production scheduling, asset management, continuous improvement, and process optimization. Proven leadership experience overseeing multiple plant operations with success in improving operational KPIs. Extensive experience with quality assurance programs (e.g., SQF, HACCP, GMPs) and regulatory standards in food or beverage manufacturing. Strong ability to lead transformational change and continuous improvement initiatives. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills. Experience working in unionized environments and participating in labor negotiations preferred. Hands-on, visible leadership style with a passion for employee engagement, coaching, and team development. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree (MBA, MS in Operations Management, or related field). Certification or training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs. Proven track record managing capital projects and facility upgrades in manufacturing environments. Experience leading milk balancing or raw material optimization strategies in dairy or beverage manufacturing. Core Competencies Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop operational strategies that improve efficiency, profitability, and product quality while aligning with Cooperative goals. Financial and Business Acumen: Skilled at managing budgets, financial forecasting, and cost control in a manufacturing setting. Manufacturing Excellence: Deep expertise in plant operations, maintenance, and process optimization in food and beverage industries. Quality Systems Focus: Strong knowledge of food safety systems and regulatory compliance, driving a quality-first mindset across operations. People Leadership and Development: Fosters an environment of accountability, growth, and high engagement among plant leaders and teams. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Uses operational and financial data to inform strategies and operational improvements. Change Management: Demonstrates leadership agility and effectiveness in transforming operations, systems, and team capabilities. Collaboration and Influence: Works cross-functionally to achieve results, building trust and fostering alignment across departments. Results Orientation: Track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, financial performance, and employee engagement.\ Salary: $220,000 - $250,000 a year* *The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays. 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.

Keywords: Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Tonawanda , Director, Milk Balancing and Fluid Plant Operations, Manufacturing , Lancaster, New York