Quality Management Lead

AgReliant Genetics; Town of Westfield (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GDM Seeds is seeking a Quality Management Lead to direct QA/QC across seed operations, spanning field production, processing plants, and laboratories. You will drive process controls, risk management, and continuous improvement to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires leadership, strong knowledge of seed quality practices, and experience scaling QA across multiple sites. Travel and strategic collaboration with Operations will be essential components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field.
• Five+ years of experience in the seed or agricultural industry.
• Two+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of seed quality systems and quality assurance practices.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Operations Quality Management System and quality controls.
• Oversee final product quality and lot release.
• Lead field quality control throughout seed production.
• Oversee conditioning and plant operations quality processes.
• Manage seed quality testing and lab analysis.
• Guide seed testing programs including herbicide and biotech testing.
• Translate regulatory and business quality requirements into processes.
• Lead QA and continuous improvement across production lifecycle.
• Oversee quality data management and trend analysis.
• Manage grow-out programs and evaluate performance data.

Skills

Decision making

Seed production knowledge

Quality assurance

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHO WE ARE

GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high‑performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.

Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM’s region-first brand model reinforces the company’s long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.

OUR DNA

We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting‑edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.

Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.

If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!

We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match (eligible 1 st of the month following date of hire)
• Generous vacation time & paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition and Health Club reimbursement
• Other benefits:Company paid Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company paid life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, health savings account (HSA) with a company contribution and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.

Job Summary:

The Quality Management Lead provides strategic and operational leadership for Quality Assurance and Quality Control across seed operations, primarily corn and soybean. This role oversees final product quality, the Operations Quality Management System, and quality activities across field production, processing plants, laboratories, conditioning, packaging, storage, and distribution. The position drives process control, risk management, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making to meet customer expectations and company standards.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and maintain the Operations Quality Management System, establishing and overseeing quality processes and controls to ensure consistent execution and product quality.
• Oversee final product quality and lot release processes, ensuring seed products meet established quality standards and requirements before release.
• Establish and oversee field quality control processes and inspection programs to ensure product quality and genetic purity throughout seed production.
• Oversee quality control processes throughout seed conditioning and plant operations to ensure product quality is maintained and quality risks are effectively controlled.
• Ensure effective management of seed quality testing and laboratory analysis required to support quality decisions and lot release, whether performed through internal laboratory operations or external service providers.
• Guide specialized seed quality testing programs, including herbicide and biotechnology testing, and develop and implement new testing methods as needed.
• Translate regulatory, compliance, and business quality requirements into effective processes and controls and ensure their consistent implementation across Operations.
• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement activities through trend analysis, projects, and process improvements across the seed production lifecycle.
• Oversee quality data management and analysis, monitoring trends and performance metrics to support product availability, quality decisions, and continuous improvement.
• Manage summer and winter grow-out programs and evaluate resulting performance data.
• Provide quality expertise and guidance to internal stakeholders and support customer service initiatives as needed.
• Support strategic projects and business initiatives in collaboration with Operations leadership and other corporate stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the Quality department budget and resources, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost competitiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of botany, biochemistry, herbicides, agricultural sciences, and seed production practices, with practical experience in seed production at both field and plant levels preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of seed quality systems, seed testing methodologies, and quality assurance practices.
• Understanding of seed regulatory requirements and industry policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities within established timelines and budgets.
• Strong leadership, coaching, team development, and employee management skills.Ability to build effective partnerships, influence stakeholders, and collaborate across functional teams and organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed business recommendations.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in the seed industry or a related agricultural industry.
• Two (2) or more years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: seed production, field quality, laboratory operations, quality systems, or regulatory compliance.
• Must have a valid driver's license and meet MVR guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Establish performance goals, development plans, and succession planning activities for direct reports.
• Oversee the daily workflow and performance of the Quality team.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, performance evaluations, and employee development opportunities.
• Manage employee relations matters in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work required business hours and additional hours as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Overnight travel is required, typically once per month, with increased travel during the summer months, potentially on a weekly basis, averaging approximately 25% annually.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.