Quality Assurance Auditor - Dairy Farms

Select Milk Producers (SMP); Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Select Milk Producers (SMP) is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to support our Midwest dairy region. The role partners with the Production Practices team to audit animal care, welfare, safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability across member dairies.

You will conduct audits, compile reports, develop corrective actions, deliver training, and monitor implementation. This position offers a chance to influence animal welfare standards and drive continuous improvement across producers.

Qualifications

• Experience auditing QA in dairy or food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct audits at member dairies and report findings.
• Develop corrective action plans with dairy leadership.
• Deliver training and support to dairy personnel.
• Maintain records and track audit outcomes.
• Stay updated on industry standards and best practices.

Skills

Auditing

Regulatory

Animal welfare

Report writing

Training

Education

QA auditing certification

Job description

Quality Assurance Auditor - Dairy Farms Location: Midwest Region Focus

Company Overview

Select Milk is one of the nation's largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives. Our member producers have earned a reputation for leadership in animal welfare, environmental stewardship, innovation, technology, and sustainable business practices. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Select Milk markets and processes milk from member dairies across the Southwest and Upper Midwest. Today, the organization represents more than 116 family-owned dairies, 20 wholly owned subsidiaries, and 8 joint ventures with leading food and beverage manufacturers.

Position Summary

Select Milk Producers (SMP) is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to support our Midwest dairy region. This role works closely with the Production Practices team and dairy leadership to evaluate and monitor dairy operations related to animal care and welfare, animal safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives. The Quality Assurance Auditor will conduct audits, assess program effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and collaborate with dairy personnel to ensure the integrity and long-term success of Select Milk's quality assurance programs. This position plays a key role in advancing animal welfare standards and supporting continuous improvement across member dairies. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the most progressive dairy producers in the United States, helping drive innovation and excellence in dairy production. Through a consultative approach, the Quality Assurance Auditor will partner with dairy owners, managers, and employees to identify opportunities, develop practical solutions, and implement meaningful improvements. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a real difference in advancing responsible dairy production while supporting the long-term sustainability and success of member dairies.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Production Practices team to develop, implement, and support programs related to: Animal care and welfare Employee development Worker safety Environmental stewardship Sustainability Food safety Antibiotic stewardship
• Conduct audits at member dairies, evaluate animal welfare standards, and provide comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Utilize a consultative approach to identify opportunities for improvement and collaborate with dairy leadership and employees to develop innovative, practical solutions.
• Partner with dairy owners, managers, and employees to develop corrective action plans and implement improvements.
• Deliver training and educational support to dairy personnel as needed.
• Operate as a highly collaborative team member by communicating schedules and priorities, documenting site visits, maintaining accurate records, and sharing audit findings.
• Monitor implementation of animal welfare standards, quality programs, and corrective action plans.
• Stay informed of industry research, emerging technologies, and best practices, and recommend updates to existing standards and programs.
• Lead by example in a fast‑paced and evolving environment while helping develop dairy leadership teams and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Spanish language skills are highly valued and will enhance effectiveness when working with dairy personnel across diverse operations. Prior animal auditing experience and certifications are valued but not required

If you are passionate about making a positive and lasting impact on the future of dairy farming, this is an opportunity to join an industry‑leading team and help shape responsible dairy production practices across some of the nation's most innovative dairies.

As you pour milk over your cereal or add it your coffee, do you ever stop and think where does it come from? I know, silly question — cows! But have you ever thought further, like where do these cows live? How are they treated? Select Milk Producers, Inc. takes that guesswork out. You can rest assured that the more than 10 billion pounds of milk that Select Milk produces each year comes from innovative sustainable farming and extraordinary animal care and comfort.

Select Milk formed in 1994 out of a desire by a group of family dairy producers to develop a national footprint for the perfect milk. Founded on honesty, trust, and quality, Select Milk believes in providing their customers with the highest quality fresh milk and doesn’t settle for anything less. Select Milk believes in operating all aspects of their business with the highest standards, including its cooperative of 99 family dairy farm members.

"We strive to go above and beyond what’s expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it’s in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what’s right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."