Assoc. Analyst, Supply Chain Optimization

About the role

Description Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose. At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.   As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.   In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®,:ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®. At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.   Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.                                         From your PASSION to ours Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Associate Analyst, Supply Chain Optimization based in Buffalo, New York. The Assoc. Supply Chain Optimization Analyst will be responsible for a variety of activities that drive continuous improvement and support project management efforts within the Logistics team.  In addition, a primary responsibility will be for overall process management and end-to-end transacting of the freight claims work stream. The freight claims scope includes all inbound and outbound shipments that incur loss or damage.? The Supply Chain Optimization Analyst would be responsible for the daily filing of claims, ongoing management of transactions throughout the reconciliation process and reporting of results. Also, perform routine data collection, data analysis, and performance reporting on Logistics department activities (Warehousing and Transportation), and assisting with continuous improvement initiatives.     From your EXPERTISE to ours Key responsibilities for this position include:   Responsible for the daily execution of filing, reconciliation, and closure for freight and warehouse claims  Act as a main point of contact for claims status updates/reporting, as well as training and guidance  Identify carrier/customer/product trends in loss/damage and propose solutions to resolve repeat issues  Communicate with other groups/departments (including sales, customer service, finance, and freight carriers) to (1) identify areas for process improvement, (2) proactively offer solutions and (3) implement these changes  Develop and maintain working knowledge of transportation contracts, laws, rules and regulations at the level needed to effectively file and collect freight claims  Monitor carrier performance on claims by preparing periodic reports with metrics on (1) rate of loss/damage occurrence, (2) value of loss/damage, (3) rate of claim recovery occurrence, and (4) value of claim recovery amount  Document processes / work instructions (“SOP”) in order to facilitate consistency and improved training  Collect data from various sources and develop reporting metrics (Key Performance Indicators -  “KPI’s”) with guidance of Supply Chain Optimization Manager to further improve operations.  Use data analysis tools such as Access, Excel, SQL, Visio,  etc. to analyze, interpret and report results that drive improvement.  Provide analysis, reporting, and conclusions in a professional, well understood manner, appropriate to the audience.  Combine detailed process and data analysis to identify actionable solutions and improvements.  This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned  Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required.  This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties and Responsibilities.  Requirements   From your STORY to ours Qualified applicants will contribute the following:   Education  Incumbent will possess a minimum of HS Diploma, preferred College Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Transportation & Logistics, or a related field preferred  Experience  1+ years operational logistics experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior freight & warehouse claims experience beneficial.  Specialized Knowledge  Strong data analysis capabilities and competency in MS Office applications  Must have the ability to manage, organize and control multiple ongoing tasks well under time constraints in a fast-paced environment  Effective presentation/communication skills  Occasional travel may be required  Skills / Abilities  Strong communication skills, which translate into diligent, professional demeanor on phone calls and in emails to a wide variety of professionals at all levels  Ability to multitask and prioritize time to deliver results on a timely manner  Must have excellent PC skills.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred  High degree of coordination, planning and organizational skills required.  Must be able to work independently, be highly motivated, show initiative and be a “self-starter”  Demonstrated ability to analyze and organize multiple work streams into repeatable, documented processes  Positive and persistent attitude required to build relationships and gain cooperation from various departments and external partners  Goal oriented, always willing to seek knowledge and improve upon skills in order to drive new ideas  At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career. Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.