The Quality Assurance Manager serves as the site leader for quality, product safety, and regulatory compliance programs within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with Operations, Production, Quality, and corporate support teams to ensure consistent execution of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and product safety standards.

This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining quality programs through the Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS), supporting policy updates as regulations change, and ensuring existing quality practices are followed. The Quality Assurance Manager will also coach and train production teams on quality standards, Product Safety Plans, Hazard Analysis, and other regulatory initiatives.

The selected candidate will lead continuous improvement efforts, conduct root cause analysis, support corrective and preventive actions, and help build a strong culture of quality, accountability, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead site quality, product safety, and regulatory compliance programs to ensure consistent execution of quality systems.
• Partner with Operations and Production teams to drive accountability, employee engagement, and a strong culture of quality.
• Implement and maintain quality practices within the Enterprise Quality Management System.
• Create, update, and implement standard operating procedures.
• Provide coaching and training to production employees on quality standards, Product Safety Plans, Hazard Analysis, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action reviews for customer complaints, claims, and internal manufacturing issues.
• Proactively manage and resolve product safety and regulatory concerns in partnership with corporate quality teams.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of pre-mix Quality Control systems, processes, and procedures related to plant manufacturing.
• Serve as the site champion for product safety and quality.
• Monitor, analyze, and report quality trends to the Director and/or Senior Quality Assurance Manager.
• Lead assigned projects related to critical process monitoring, process capability, and preventive controls.
• Partner with Operations, QA/QC, and plant teams to establish new product and process measurements that reduce quality risk and improve performance.
• Manage and develop a team of 1-3 employees.

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant leadership experience required.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, operations, quality, or a related environment, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience coaching, developing, and influencing employees across multiple functions.
• Proven ability to drive accountability, manage competing priorities, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Required Competencies/Skills:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, training, and coaching skills.
• Analytical problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to manage and resolve customer complaints.
• Ability to operate tactically while thinking strategically.
• High level of integrity in products, processes, and professional relationships.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and support a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• 2+ years of experience in feed, food, agriculture, animal nutrition, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of FSMA, GMPs, Product Safety Plans, Hazard Analysis, CAPA, and quality management systems.

Preferred Competencies/Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and influence employees across functions.
• Ability to balance regulatory compliance, operational demands, and business priorities while maintaining high standards for quality and product safety.
• Knowledge of FDA requirements and other applicable regulatory agency standards and SOPs.

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 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to 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.

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