Operations Management Trainee

Overview

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and food service 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.

We are looking for future leaders to join us! We are actively seeking hardworking, energetic, self-starters to join our Operations team in Perry, GA as a 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 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 departmental rotations. You will be fully immersed and actively engage in all aspects of business in an operational facility. 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.

• Acquires knowledge to include administrative functions, manpower reports, disciplinary procedures, budget, production processes and requirements while contributing ideas and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Develops an understanding of the team process using the criteria: establishing common mission/goals of all team members; providing clear role definition of team members; encouraging shared accountabilities; implementing effective team procedures and processes, giving and receiving feedback, problem solving, decision making, employing coaching and effective communications; ensuring team “spirit”; and providing recognition for team accomplishments.
• Implements the policies of the Quality Improvement Process with the team/department.
• Monitors the performance of the team to ensure goals are attained and graphs results for display and presentation at briefings and/or meetings.
• Develops self-awareness and consistently applies best practices in communications, emotional intelligence, integrity, and exhibits other Perdue values.
• Rotates through various functions in fresh or cook plants which may include the Hatchery, Feed Mill, Live Production, Live Haul, Wastewater, Accounting, Human Resources, Receiving, Dressing, Evisceration, Giblet Packing, Grading, Cut Up, Stretch Bag, Deboning, 28 Degree Cooler, Box Room, Weight/Price/Label and Shipping departments.
• Completes projects related to cost-reduction or improved performance.
• Attends learning events/activities including on-ground classes, web-based instruction, and e-learning platforms.

• 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,…