Dairy Plant Leadership Track Associate

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

Job summary

Land O’Lakes invites students to join the Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate program in the United States. The role develops future plant leaders through hands-on experience across safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration, with formal training and strategic projects.

After 12 months, participants advance to supervising a team of 10–40 operators and contribute to production of cheese or butter, with locations in Kent, OH and Spencer, WI.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field with graduation in 2026/2027.
• Demonstrated leadership in school or clubs.
• Willing to relocate during and after program.

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

Decision making

Communication

Time management

Independent work

Problem solving

Willingness to relocate

Education

Engineering/related degree

Job description

Land O’Lakes invites students to join the Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate program in the United States. The role develops future plant leaders through hands-on experience across safety, quality, maintenance, HR, and administration, with formal training and strategic projects.

After 12 months, participants advance to supervising a team of 10–40 operators and contribute to production of cheese or butter, with locations in Kent, OH and Spencer, WI.