Transportation Operations Manager (57227)

Valley Queen is a privately owned dairy manufacturer located in Milbank, South Dakota. Founded in 1929, Valley Queen has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality cheese and dairy ingredients, serving customers across the United States and around the world. Valley Queen processes nearly 3 billion pounds of milk each year, producing a diverse portfolio of products that includes natural cheeses, whey protein concentrate, lactose, and anhydrous milk fat. At Valley Queen, we are dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and conducting our operations ethically. Our success is built on strong relationships with our employees, dairy producers, and the communities we serve. We take pride in offering meaningful career opportunities and aim to be the premier privately owned dairy manufacturer in the United States." The Transportation Manager is responsible for end-to-end ownership of logistics operations, including fleet, carrier, and 3PL transportation networks, ensuring alignment of transportation execution, cost management, and system integrity. Drives disciplined logistics processes, carrier performance, and technology enablement to deliver reliable service, operational efficiency, and network scalability across the dairy supply chain. Executing direction set by the Director and ensuring consistent performance across their team. This position is accountable for team performance, operational results, and developing front-line leadership capability. This role plays a critical part in driving consistency, reinforcing standards, and ensuring that systems, processes, and expectations are effectively implemented to support Valley Queen's operational and business objectives. Owns the day-to-day performance of all liquid load transportation across owned, contracted, and outside hauler carriers, ensuring safety, quality, and operational standards are consistently met along with schedules, staffing plans, and processes. Ensures role clarity and accountability across their team to drive efficient operations. Builds and maintains a highly engaged, performance-driven team environment. Supports talent development by coaching employees and identifying growth opportunities. Drives accountability through regular performance discussions and follow-up. Identifies operational challenges and implements solutions to improve performance. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Utilizes data and metrics to improve decision-making and performance. Coordinates and supports execution of projects within scope and timelines. Partners with cross-functional teams to improve operations. Problem Solving / Analysis This position supervises supervisors, leads, and/or employees and is responsible for the day-to-day direction, coordination, and performance management of the assigned team. TRAVEL This position will require occasional travel. Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in the applicable area of responsibility. Experience in dairy processing or manufacturing. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Monday-Friday Schedule