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 chemic...