Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate

Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is launching a Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate program in Kent, OH.

The program is designed to develop future leaders in manufacturing through hands-on plant experience, safety and quality compliance, maintenance, HR, and administration. Participants will complete a structured curriculum with formal training, strategic projects, and career development, culminating in a supervisory role overseeing 10–40 operators and contributing to large-scale dairy

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree with expected graduation winter 2026 or spring 2027.
• Demonstrated leadership in school/academic/industry clubs.
• Willingness to relocate for the program and upon completion.

Responsibilities

• Learn and support all plant processes including safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration.
• Participate in formal training and strategic projects.
• Supervise production operations after 12 months.
• Lead and develop frontline team members.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Demonstrated leadership

Excellent written and oral

Time management

Detail oriented

Willing to work extended hours

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in engineering/food science/agriculture related field

Job description

Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate

The Dairy Manufacturing Management Track is a training position designed to develop future leaders in manufacturing.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of plant operations, including regulatory compliance (safety and quality), maintenance, human resources, and administrative functions.

Program Overview

Participants will engage in a structured curriculum that includes formal training, work assignments, strategic projects, career development, networking opportunities, and community service involvement.

After 12 months, participants will transition into a supervisory role within a Dairy Plant, managing a team of 10 to 40 production operators and contributing to the production of millions of pounds of cheese or butter.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and support all plant processes including safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration.
• Participate in formal training and strategic projects.
• Supervise production operations after 12 months.
• Lead and develop frontline team members.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Graduates of the MMT program have advanced into roles such as: Technical Manager Production Manager Quality Manager Reliability Engineer.

Available Locations

• Kent, OH
• Spencer, WI

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, food science, ag business, animal science, supply chain, operations management, or agriculture related field with an expected graduation date of winter 2026 or spring 2027.
• Demonstrated leadership in school/academic/industry-related clubs.
• Willingness to relocate for the program and then upon program completion is required.

Professional Qualifications

• Make effective decisions and can work independently with limited supervision.
• Interact well with customers, suppliers, employees and management of all levels.
• Solve and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrated safety awareness, quality orientation, and a focus on process improvement.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and detail-oriented.
• Willing to work extended hours during peak seasons.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous exposure to dairy manufacturing or general production environment is preferred.

Salary for this position is $70,000.

Physical Qualifications

Working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, you will be walking, standing and engaging in movement throughout the day, and occasionally to frequently be required to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs. Due to a large variety of job duties (both routine and non-routine), certain duties also may involve a variety of physical activities including bending, lifting, stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms above shoulders and head, standing, working in enclosed areas, climbing stairs or ladders, and operating heavy machinery. The noise level in the work environment can vary but noise is usually low to moderate. You may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety gloves, hearing protection, a respirator or dust mask, protective footwear and protective clothing or uniforms. Work may be performed in cold and/or hot temperatures and the environment can be dusty. Physical requirements further include the ability to engage in productive and collaborative communication with co-workers and work may need to be performed during non-standard hours, including nights and weekends. The ability to work overtime will be required. The ability to perform these requirements is necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The company engages in an interactive process to review requests for reasonable accommodations that may be needed to allow qualified individuals with disabilities to perform all the essential functions of the position.

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.

Land O'Lakes is a Fortune 250, farmer-owned agriculture and food manufacturing cooperative. We are headquartered just outside the Twin Cities, with locations across the US and a presence in 60 countries around the world.