The Operations Specialist is a part of the Technical Services Department. They serve the facility as an on the shop floor leadership role. Other position responsibilities aren’t limited to but include: backup shift supervisor, floor preparation for corporate R&D research projects, involvement and execution of on-going capital improvements in the Kent facility. All efforts require full-time coordination from the Kent production department. This role requires majority of the time on the manufacturing floor.

Experience-Education Required:

• HS Diploma or GED is required.
• Manufacturing or high-speed production experience required.

Skills Required:

• Problem Solving/Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Implementation
• Leadership of Shift/Crew
• Strong Communication Skills (both for operators and upper management)
• Multitasking/Time Management/Prioritization Skills
• Intermediate Computer Skills
• Project Management

Experience Preferred:

• 2+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• 1+ year of supervisory experience.
• Four-year degree required with emphasis in engineering, food science or related field.

Responsibilities Required:

• This position will conduct training, lead team meetings, and improve communications with the goal of enabling employees at the shop floor level of making informed decision. A result of these efforts will be to improve plant performance and efficiencies while improving employee satisfaction and employee relations.
• This individual will function as a fill-in production supervisor for all shifts and provides coordination and resources to assist in complying with all regulatory issues.
• This position will mentor new production supervisors on day-to-day operations responsibilities to include Catalyst training, labor scheduling, and understanding production processes.
• Develop standard operating procedures for production employees. Conducts training with employees on the standard operating procedures monitors understanding and adherence to SOP's.
• Interact with maintenance, quality, engineering, and contractors as needed on projects.  Assist in the coordination activities for maintenance shutdowns for both Land O'Lakes employees and contractors.

Required Competencies:

• Strong, written, communication and presentation skills
• Some knowledge of GMP’S, safety, and environmental sanitation.
• Ability to train, coach, and mentor team members
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work cross-functionally  

Shift: 3rd Shift; occasional weekends/holidays.

Salary Range: $70,800 - $106,200. 

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary range.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 500 company, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named #17 on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list and recognized as a winner in the Skilled Laborers category, as well as a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and included on 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.