Food Safety & Quality Associate
General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026 net sales U.S. $18 billion.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY AT GENERAL MILLS?
Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Associates lead programs and provide technical expertise to ensure the safety, regulatory compliance, and quality of General Mills food.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Quality Associates (QA) will experience an 18-24-month hands-on, front-line, factory-based rotational program that provides in-role experiences to build expertise in Food Safety and Quality, manufacturing, and people leadership. The QA will be a key team player on their assigned system(s), with no two days the same within the manufacturing facility. The variety of tasks include:
• Evaluate and implement food safety and quality systems improvements
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to make quality driven process capability improvements
• Assess risk using problem solving techniques
While in this program, QA's will develop a professional network with mentors and other technical experts locally and at the corporate office. They will also engage regularly with other members of the General Mills Supply Chain Development Program in their facility and across the network inclusive of Manufacturing, Logistics and Sourcing focused peers.
Upon completion of the program, QA's can apply internally for their next role, either at the same location or elsewhere. Starting assignments include a variety of manufacturing locations across the country.
Key FSQ Responsibilities
• Lead safety and quality strategy and act to address gaps and effectively mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with internal business partners in Research & Development (R&D), Operations, Engineering and Maintenance to validate manufacturing controls and system capability to meet consumer and specification requirements.
• Manage issues with non-confirming product including risk assessment, data driven decision making and eliminate future occurrences through root cause analysis.
• Protect General Mills' brands and engender consumer trust by ensuring the manufacturing of safe, quality food.
• Gain exposure to building external relationships with regulatory, industry and audit agencies in support of global manufacturing.
• Learning from and Leading Operators, Technicians and Mechanics to grow your coaching, team building, and people-development skill set.
WHERE WILL I WORK?
You will be placed at one of our manufacturing plant locations nationwide.
IS THIS YOU?
Minimum Qualifications:
• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering (primarily Chemical / Food Process / Biological), or related degree
• Graduating in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027
Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
• Learning agility, curiosity & inventiveness are key in Food, Safety & Quality
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills, passion for food safety and quality, enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
• Demonstrated people, technical, and process leadership skills and a willingness to engage in hands-on work on the manufacturing floor
HUNGRY FOR WHAT'S NEXT?
• Start Date of February 2027 or July 2027
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
The base salary for this position is $83,000. General Mills is committed to providing fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, performance, and academic background. Beyond your salary, you'll receive a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall wellbeing, including:
• Competitive salary and eligibility for our annual incentive program
• A strong retirement program with a generous 401(k) match and company contribution.
• Modern health plans and resources for physical, mental and financial wellbeing
• A robust time-off program for a healthy work-life balance
• Extensive training and development programs for career growth
We believe in investing in our employees and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. Benefits may vary by role, location and other employment status factors.
Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.
