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 a hardworking, energetic, self-starter to join our Live Operations team in Salisbury, MD 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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…