Dairy Plant Leadership Track Associate

Land O'Lakes; Delaware; On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O'Lakes is seeking a Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate to join a structured program that builds future plant leaders. You will gain hands-on experience across safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration, with a pathway to supervise a production team after 12 months.

Graduates advance into roles such as Technical Manager, Production Manager, and Quality Manager, contributing to large-scale cheese or butter production. Locations include Kent, OH and Spencer, WI.

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.
• Make effective decisions and can work independently with limited supervision.
• Interact well with customers, suppliers, employees and management of all levels.
• Strong time management skills and detail-oriented.

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

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Dairy exposure

Interpersonal skills

Education

Pursuing degree in engineering/food science/ag/business/supply chain/operations management

Job description

Land O'Lakes is seeking a Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate to join a structured program that builds future plant leaders. You will gain hands-on experience across safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration, with a pathway to supervise a production team after 12 months.

Graduates advance into roles such as Technical Manager, Production Manager, and Quality Manager, contributing to large-scale cheese or butter production. Locations include Kent, OH and Spencer, WI.