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Dairy Foods Manufacturing Management Track Associate

Land O'Lakes · Spencer, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led a group of people toward a goal. What did you do when someone wasn't pulling their weight?

What they are checking: Whether they have real leadership experience and will address performance issues directly.

The program rotates you through safety, quality, maintenance, HR and administration. Which area do you expect to find hardest, and how would you learn it?

What they are checking: Whether they are self-aware about gaps and willing to dig into unfamiliar parts of plant operations.

Tell me about a project where you used data to improve how something worked.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the strategic projects and continuous improvement work built into the program.

Graduates have moved into roles like production, quality or reliability. Where do you see yourself after the program?

What they are checking: Whether they have real career goals in manufacturing and plan to stay with the company.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake while leading others. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they own their errors in front of a team, which builds trust with frontline workers.

What would you do

After 12 months you'll supervise 10 to 40 production operators, many of whom have more experience than you. How would you earn their respect?

What they are checking: Whether they have the humility and plan to lead experienced workers without relying on their title.

An operator tells you they skipped a sanitation step because the line was behind. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they put food safety ahead of production pressure and handle it in a way that teaches.

How would you explain a new safety rule to a crew that thinks it's a waste of time?

What they are checking: Whether they can win buy-in for changes rather than just announcing them.

Plants run around the clock and supervisors often start on off shifts. How do you feel about nights or weekends?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic expectations about manufacturing hours for new supervisors.

About the work

What do you know about how cheese or butter is made at scale?

What they are checking: Whether they have taken the time to learn the basic process they will soon oversee.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Land O'Lakes.

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. Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested. If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.

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