Quality Manager

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The Quality Manager is responsible for managing the Food Safety and Quality Department, Quality Lab, Audit Process and Food Safety/Security for Land O’ Lakes Pine Island, MN location. The primary focus is to provide local leadership in quality, food safety and regulatory compliance through adherence to specifications, implementation of QMS and BRCGS certification. Must have strong knowledge of state and federal requirements.

Quality manager must maintain close working relationship with site management teams and the quality assurance staff at the facility, and corporate quality. Effectively coordinates, staffs, and utilizes available resources to formulate action plans for process and quality improvements including employee safety, regulatory requirements, cost reduction, etc. Fully supports all programs including QMS, BRCGS, Cost to Serve and Asset Reliability Programs.

Upholds and demonstrates Land O’Lakes values and vision. Adhere to all guidelines addressed in the Management Responsibility Program. Support quality mission statement, company quality policy and implement continuous improvement under guidance and direction of the Plant Manager.

• Bachelor’s in Food Science, Biology or Dairy Technology or related field (preferred)
• Minimum 5 years hands‑on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with at least 1 year of people leadership supervisory experience
• GFSI certification (BRCGS certification preferred)
• Ability to interact with regulatory personnel, including practical audit experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style to create an engaged, motivated and high‑performing team

• Direct, train, and advise personnel in test procedures and ensure compliance with quality system requirements to deliver safe and quality food products.
• Investigate and respond to all quality assurance related consumer complaints.
• Design, oversee, update, and review HACCP plan to meet regulatory and BRCGS requirements.
• Provide leadership coordinating QMS and BRCGS certification & maintenance process.
• Research and recommend new equipment, process and technology to meet industry best practices for improved control of raw materials, in‑process and finished goods.
• Oversee internal lab testing. Develop SOP to operate lab equipment and maintain records. Maintain calibration programs to ensure lab equipment, weighing scales, vats/fermenters, temperature controllers, gauges and other equipment.
• Oversee external lab testing and reports as required by BRCGS and QMS quality system.
• Develop and provide quality assurance KPI, scorecards and reports.
• Provide food safety and quality technical support to cross‑functional staff, and on new projects/products.

• Experience in the food industry preferable.
• Extensive knowledge of food systems, food safety and security.
• Training and experience in Food Science or Food Technology.
• Certification in HACCP, maintain certification.
• Ability to follow up and verify effective corrective action implementation.
• Ability to see the matter prior to becoming an issue.
• Report to management on a regular basis.
• HACCP Certified.
• PCQI Certified.

Salary Range: $93,360 - $140,040. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer‑ and member‑owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and Linked In, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401(k) and a variety of well‑being resources. Most part‑time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug‑free workforce, including post‑employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its 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.

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