Operations Quality Specialist

Operations Quality Specialist

This role is part of our WinField United business who supplies agricultural inputs, expertise, and technology to our member-owners and other partners.

We are seeking an Operations Quality Specialist to support the Quality Manager in managing Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS) compliance for External Partners across the seed and chemical sides of the business, with a focus on diversified crops for our Winfield United Business Unit. In this role, you will also lead Winfield’s complaint intake and tracking process, helping ensure timely, complete follow-through on issues found in the field and at our ASC locations. You will work with a cross-functional team to identify root causes and collaborate with external partners to reach resolution.

This role is located at our corporate headquarters in Arden Hills, MN (In office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week). 

Responsibilities:

• Provide quality support to seed, chemical, and ASC locations through risk assessments, audits, and facility visits, ensuring compliance with Land O’Lakes quality requirements while building strong working relationships with location leaders. 

• Work with your manager to develop an audit plan based on risk evaluation, manage audit corrective and preventive actions, and assign approval or non-approval status to manufacturing locations. 

• Assist in managing second- and third-party audit firms where appropriate. 

• Assist in managing the EQMS in the Winfield United business, develop standardized quality programs across all Winfield products, and ensure Winfield United EQMS programs align with corporate EQMS programs. 

• Monitor and respond to ongoing quality issues, including customer concerns and claims; track and trend complaints; and organize, lead, and support Quality Improvement Programs that drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. 

• Manage the relationship with seed testing services and seed planning, including data review for trends, specification deviations, and late-season testing requirements, and aid in the review of pricing and invoicing as needed. 

• Lead the Winfield United complaint process through resolution, and guide cross-functional partners including Supply Chain, QA, Omnium, R&D, and Sourcing to ensure proper follow-through. 

What You’ll Bring:

• A proactive approach and strong teamwork skills. 

• Proven written and verbal communication skills. 

• Experience in plant problem solving and auditing. 

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and external partners to resolve quality issues. 

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years Quality or related experience within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Agriculture, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in agricultural manufacturing, seed production, or chemical manufacturing.

Travel: Ability to travel as needed

Salary: $81,200 - $121,800

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 500 company, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named #17 on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list and recognized as a winner in the Skilled Laborers category, as well as a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and included on the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.    

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.