Operations Quality Specialist

Land O'Lakes•Arden Hills, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Quality Specialist is part of the WinField United business and supports the Quality Manager in managing Enterprise Quality Management System (EQMS) compliance for external partners across the seed and chemical businesses, with a focus on diversified crops. The role also leads WinField’s complaint intake and tracking process, ensuring timely and complete follow-through on issues identified in the field and at ASC locations. The specialist works with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and collaborates with external partners to resolve quality issues. This role is based at the corporate headquarters in Arden Hills, Minnesota, with in-office work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Travel is required as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 3 years of Quality or related experience in a manufacturing environment.
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.
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide quality support to seed, chemical, and ASC locations through risk assessments, audits, and facility visits; ensure compliance with Land O’Lakes quality requirements and build relationships with location leaders.
Work with the manager to develop a risk-based audit plan, manage 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 WinField United EQMS, develop standardized quality programs across WinField products, and align those programs 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.
Manage relationships with seed testing services and seed planning, including reviewing data for trends, specification deviations, and late-season testing requirements, and assist with pricing and invoicing reviews 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 appropriate follow-through.