Transportation Analyst II

Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business. We represent hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located in seven Midwest states, and we produce about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter in plants across our network every year. "We Bring Dairy to Life" in seven manufacturing plants across Wisconsin and Michigan and in our headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin; and we're looking for employees who are innovative and aim for excellence in our wide variety of production, field and business roles. Join us!

JOB TITLE: Transportation Analyst II
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM
On call as needed after hours, holiday and weekends

Position Overview:

This position supports efficient execution and continuous improvement of FFUSA-managed transportation operations, including dry, refrigerated, tanker, and 3PL freight. Coordinates transportation activities across plants, warehouses, carriers, suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders while developing analytics, reporting, dashboards, and KPIs that drive operational performance, service excellence, network optimization, and informed decision-making.

Key Accountabilities:

Support Logistics Manager: FFUSA arranged dry, refrigerated, fluid and finished goods shipments and 3PLs.

• Coordinate and monitor transportation activity using the Transportation Management System (TMS), Oracle Order Management, EDI, and web-based carrier platforms.

• Coordinate logistics schedules among plants, warehouses, customers, brokers, suppliers, carriers, and 3PL providers.

• Create, maintain, and manage transportation orders and shipment activities, including manual orders when required.

• Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve service disruptions, delays, and transportation issues.

• Support transportation requirements for milk, fluids, cheese, butter, and other production plans.

• Make timely operational decisions based on service, cost, production, and supply chain requirements.

• Maintain carrier rates, transportation system data, and rate structures.

Develop and maintain business relationships:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, 3PLs, suppliers, customers, warehouses, and internal stakeholders.

• Respond to transportation-related inquiries, communicate changes and requirements, and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Qualify and onboard new carriers and vendors; support contract administration, rate negotiations, and carrier performance management.

• Investigate and resolve transportation claims, OS&D issues, and supplier complaints.

• Manage the non-fluid transportation network and support bulk fluid and 3PL operations to meet plant production, customer service, and operational objectives.

Strategy Execution and Analytics:

• Execute transportation strategies that support production, customer service, and supply chain goals.

• Develop and maintain transportation analytics, reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Analyze transportation costs, carrier performance, service metrics, and freight network effectiveness using Excel, Tableau, and transportation reporting tools.

• Provide transportation rate analysis and support customer bids, carrier reviews, and requests for proposal (RFPs).

• Lead or support network optimization studies and recommend value-added solutions that improve service and reduce transportation costs.

• Measure and report on-time pickup and delivery performance.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement transportation process improvements and improvement projects.

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), routing guides, and transportation documentation.

• Recommend improvements that enhance service, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.

• Support cross-functional projects and strategic supply chain initiatives.

• Participate in ongoing transportation and logistics optimization efforts. Identifying and implementing improvement projects to deliver continuous improvement for the logistics function.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or service-related field.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of proficiency in professional email correspondence.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to work after hours or weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

• One to three years of transportation, logistics, supply chain, or freight management experience.

• Transportation or logistics experience within a dairy cooperative, food manufacturing, or distribution environment.

• Experience working with a Transportation Management System (TMS).

• Working knowledge of Oracle Order Management or a related ERP system.

• Experience with Tableau or another business intelligence reporting platform.

• Knowledge of truckload, refrigerated, bulk tanker, and 3PL transportation operations.

• Experience conducting transportation cost analysis and network optimization studies.

• Familiarity with EDI transportation transactions and freight claims management.

Physical Setting:

• Hybrid position with regular interaction across manufacturing and warehouse operations

• Ability to sit, use computer systems, and communicate effectively throughout the workday.

• Occasional travel up to 25% of the time.

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

• Ability to visit manufacturing plants, warehouses, and carrier locations as business needs require.

Benefits:

At Foremost Farms, we believe that you and your family matter most. That's why we're proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in the area - designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off - Start with 200 hours of PTO (pro-rated for first year)
• 10 Paid Holidays - Enjoy time to rest and recharge
• Paid Parental Leave - 6 weeks fully paid
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - when you elect the high-deductible health plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Save for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life and Disability Insurance - Financial protection for you and your loved ones
• Daily Pay Option - Access your earnings when you need them
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges
• Referral Program - Earn rewards for bringing great people to our team
• Career Growth Opportunities - Advance your skills and your career with us

This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Foremost Farms USA is an at-will employer, which means that either party is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, without any advanced notice, for any reason or no reason.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.

Are you ready to Be Foremost?

Apply today at www.foremostfarms.com