Transport and Freight Controller

About our role:
Lactalis Australia is a leading dairy company with a strong national presence. We specialize in milk collection and processing, renowned for our high-quality dairy products and commitment to sustainability. This role is central to delivering efficient and cost-effective milk collection and freight operations at Lactalis Australia. This role harnesses data-driven analysis to guide strategic planning, monitor key performance indicators, and drive ongoing improvements throughout the supply chain—from farm pickup to factory delivery. Core duties include monitoring daily KPIs, evaluating transport costs, optimizing routes, benchmarking carrier performance, and supporting month-end reporting. The role also develops dashboards for management, assists with budgeting, and leads improvement initiatives.

Success relies on close collaboration with stakeholders such as Farm Supplier Relationship Managers, the Inbound Logistics Team, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and internal operational and management teams. The team culture emphasizes continuous improvement, strategic focus, and shared accountability, all underpinned by Lactalis' values of ambition, engagement, and simplicity.

Join us and be part of a team that values innovation and excellence.

Responsibilities include:

• Proactively monitor daily milk collection KPIs, including pickup volumes, route efficiency, and tanker utilization.
• Diligently track transport costs across all KPIs per route and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Strategically provide analytical support for route planning and scheduling to maximize density and truck utilization.
• Systematically benchmark carrier performance and recommend process improvements based on comprehensive data analysis and industry best practices.
• Accurately participate in month-end closing and reporting for the milk collection department, with a focus on transport and freight, and deliver insightful commentary on variances versus Budget, Forecast, and Last Year.
• Thoroughly analyze seasonal trends and forecast transport requirements to ensure optimal resource allocation.
• Actively contribute to budgeting for the milk collection department, emphasizing transport and freight cost planning.
• Collaboratively act as a business partner to the operational team, interpret financial performance, highlight deviations versus Budget, Last Year, and Forecast, and propose corrective actions to improve efficiency.
• Effectively develop dashboards and reports for management and operational teams, showcasing milk collection efficiency, cost trends, and carrier performance.
• Continuously drive improvement initiatives and support ad-hoc projects as required.

About you:
To succeed as a Transport & Freight Analyst – Milk Collection, you'll need a bachelor's degree in Finance, Business/Commercial Accounting, or Engineering, or equivalent industry experience in the same role. While postgraduate qualifications are valued, they are not mandatory. At least three years' experience in transport or freight analysis (ideally within the food or dairy sector) is essential for understanding the complexities of milk collection and supply chain operations.

Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, and transport management systems are required, along with proficiency in SAP or similar ERP platforms. Familiarity with dairy supply chain processes, carrier contracts, cost structures, and relevant transport regulations is highly regarded.

Beyond technical expertise, you must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and consistency. A proactive, pragmatic, and transparent approach is vital, as is a commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving. Embodying the values of ambition, engagement, and simplicity will help drive positive outcomes for the business and its stakeholders.

Why join us?

• Career growth: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Professional development: Opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Innovative culture: Be part of a company that values innovation and sustainability.
• Supportive team: Work with a team that values collaboration and excellence.

This opportunity is ideal for someone seeking to establish a solid career while making a meaningful contribution to a leading dairy organization. If you're passionate about creating impact and keen to develop professionally, we encourage you to apply

Our story:

Ours is a STORY of a family business created by the Besnier Family in 1933 and is today the worlds' No. 1 dairy company. We are 85,000 loyal team members working across 100 countries and together we create the #LactalisExperience.

Lactalis Australia's iconic and heritage brands are our PASSION, providing quality and nutritious products for all Australians. We are humble, proud and resilient. We care for our employees, land, farmers and consumers, which is our driving purpose to ensure a responsible and sustainable dairy industry.

We take pride in developing our internal talent and encourage
entrepreneurship
by bringing together
pragmatic
and
tenacious
personalities. Our
accountability
ensures we have ownership within our roles and with our
EXPERTISE
and dairy
"know how"
, sets us apart.

Lactalis is a supporter of reducing barriers that exist due to traditional working practices and therefore flexible work arrangements will be considered for this role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs or ability.

If you are ready to join the #LactalisExperience Apply now

Updated Position Description