2026 Quality Development Associate

Quality Development Associate

Ardent Mills is committed to transforming how the world is nourished. As the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, we cultivate the future of plant-based solutions to help our customers and communities thrive. Ardent Mills is looking for curious, ambitious individuals who want to grow their global and local impact, career, and leadership skills.

Cultivate is Ardent Mill's 15-month Operations Development Program based at a facility, structured and designed to provide a foundational understanding of how to live Ardent Mills' values while gaining hands-on experience in the industry, both with processes and people.

Develop into a role where you will :

• Lead audits with customers and regulatory agencies
• Work directly with customers and manage any complaints.
• Drive compliance and conformance to our Quality and Food Safety systems through consistent interaction within the facility.
• Influence others to abide by and follow procedures.
• Manage team members, their schedules and department staffing.
• If individual does not have a Food Science degree : you may have a steeper learning curve initially to gain understanding of the food industry standards.

Hours vary dependent on facility needs. 24 / 7 operation which may require assistance during off hours. Not a desk job very hands-on. Primarily learning process from our hourly team member experts. Conflict identification and management is a requirement as the area of responsibility increases. This job does require development and nurturing of interpersonal relationships.

As a Quality Development Associate, you will relocate to other Ardent Mills facilities within the US upon gaining skills and experiences throughout the program. The Development Associate role is not permanent but meant to fully onboard new leaders to a progressively challenging permanent role within the organization, often at a different location. As a part of this leadership role at Ardent Mills, you will be required to work alongside your team members, which may include long days, rotating shifts (days, evenings, and nights) as well as weekend or holiday work. Together we make a team. Together we make Ardent Mills.

To succeed, you must be able to :

Essential skills and experience :

Other considerations :

Team members must be clean shaven in order to perform tasks where respiratory protection is required and the use of a respirator (including N-95 dust mask) requires a proper seal for adequate protection.

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.