Live Operations Management Trainee

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

We are looking for future leaders to join us! We are actively seeking a hardworking, energetic, self-starter to join our Live Operations team in Halifax, NC as a Hatchery Pathways Participant with a program start of June 2026

The Perdue Pathways Program is designed to develop talented individuals into future leaders in the company's live operations management field.

Our 24-month program, combines hands-on training by direct observation and shadowing, learning and development sessions, continuous improvement projects, and a series of structured rotations. You will be fully immersed and actively engage in all aspects of live operations. Upon successful completion of the program, the Pathways Participant will have the opportunity to transition into a supervisor role.

During your first 12 months, you will rotate through and engage with key areas of the Perdue Farms organization, gaining broad exposure and hands-on experience. Upon successful completion of the rotation, the anticipated next step would be a supervisor role. The second year of the program focuses on your continued growth, featuring dedicated mentorship, a personalized development plan, leadership training, and participation in talent reviews. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare you not only for your immediate role but to support long-term career success at Perdue Farms.

Expectations –

In this position, you will be offered the opportunity to learn and develop skills vital for a career in Live operations; include, flock advisor, area supervisor, assistant hatchery manager, hatchery manager, feedmill manager.

Benefits –

• Participation in up to, two (2) Regional Trainings with fellow Pathways participants. Events include career development, social activities, philanthropic events, company tours and senior leadership interaction.
• Competitive starting salary, with pay increases following 6 and 12 months of tenure. Comprehensive benefit package also includes: transition bonus and relocation.
• Anticipated placement into a supervisor level after successful completion of your first 12 months in the Pathways program.
• 2nd year benefits include: Refining leadership skills, enhanced learning opportunities, personalized career mapping, and dedicated mentorship.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for Quality and Production requirements. Initiate programs to accomplish the best possible hatchability with a healthy chick.
• Responsible for managing, scheduling, and coordinating delivery of processed chicks to operations complex. This will require communication with growout.
• Be able to perform any and all jobs within the hatchery.
• Responsible for maintaining inventories, equipment, parts, and supplies as needed for operations.
• Responsible for managing the processing room during processing hours.
• Responsible for the QC role at the facility including box counts, plating, breakouts, and other items that are required to be completed.
• Maintain a safe working environment.

Minimum Education

Required:

• Completed Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university within 24 months of the Pathways program starting.
  • Program starts in June 2026 will accept applications from the following graduation years
    • May 2026, December 2025, May 2025, December 2024, and May 2024

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness Management or Business Administration, Poultry Science, Animal Science.

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Good customer service skills
• Strong reading, math, writing communication skills (oral and written), analytical skills and a statistical background
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree, or be within 2 semesters of graduating with a Bachelors. (employment will begin once degree is complete)
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well within a team setting, as well as independently.

Prederred:

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to motivate in a team atmosphere

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to work in all locations including hatcheries, feed mills, chicken houses and processing plants.
• Exposed to seasonal weather conditions as well as significant amount of airborne dust, feathers, when in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Exposure to chicken manure and associated odors, including ammonia, especially in the production houses.
• Required to perform moderate physical exertion to include pushing pulling and lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to climb to a height of 30' as well as significant amount of bending, lifting and stooping.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status