Co-Packer Manager

Perdue Farms; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 89,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx

401(k) with employer match

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability

Job summary

Perdue Foods seeks a Co-Packer Manager to lead relationships with third-party manufacturers, ensuring product quality, safety, and on-time delivery. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production, manage costs, and drive strategic supplier partnerships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role offers a base salary of $89,000–$133,000 with an annual bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and life insurance offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
• 5 years of related work experience with sound business and industry knowledge.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills; senior management presentation experience.
• Knowledge of production planning and optimization within constraints.
• Willingness to travel overnight 50% or more.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day co-packer operations and build strong relationships with third-party manufacturers.
• Coordinate protein sourcing and ingredient packaging to optimize costs and quality.
• Provide capacity and supply planning direction; manage finished goods inventory.
• Oversee logistics for inbound/outbound freight and ensure timely delivery.
• Develop cost books and monitor cost drivers across co-packers; drive process improvements.

Skills

Supply chain operations

Problem solving

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Tools

Manugistics DSM

SCN

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

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

Drive operational excellence and strategic growth across our co-packer network. As a Co-Packer Manager, you will lead relationships with third-party manufacturing partners while ensuring the highest standards of product quality, food safety, compliance, and service. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize production performance, manage costs, and deliver finished goods on time to support customer demand and business objectives. This role is ideal for a results-driven supply chain leader who thrives on building strong partnerships, improving processes, and delivering impactful solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day co-packer operations.
• Coordinate protein (meat) sourcing.
• Coordinate ingredient sourcing.
• Coordinate packaging sourcing.
• Provide capacity and supply planning direction.
• Manage finished goods inventory levels.
• Coordinate logistics for all inbound and outbound freight.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with co-packers.
• Manage monthly reports for co-packers.
• Manage and maintain cost books for Pet and Pasturebird co-packers.
• Develop and manage unique ingredient sourcing and inventory management processes for co-packers to ensure supply availability while mitigating risk.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost savings within co-packing operations.
• Ensure all co-packers adhere to company regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMPs).
• Address production, quality, and supply chain issues promptly.
• Work cross-functionally to implement changes.
• Monitor and coordinate co-packing activities to meet production schedules, quality expectations, and cost objectives.
• Maintain a working knowledge of product costing methods within each production facility.

Minimum Education And Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
• 5 years of related work experience with sound business and industry knowledge.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Senior management and peer presentation experience.
• Knowledge of supply chain operations.
• Must be highly numerate and analytical.
• Knowledge of production planning and optimization within constraints.
• Knowledge of Manugistics DSM, SCN, SAP, or other ERP and production planning technologies.
• Understanding of information technology systems and how they interact.
• Ability to travel overnight to customer, vendor, and plant locations (50% or more travel).

Preferred Education And Experience

• Experience in the food, beverage, or consumer goods industry.
• Knowledge of food safety certifications and regulatory standards.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors

• Position is primarily sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.

When In a Plant Environment

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient conditions and up to 100% humidity.
• May handle products ranging from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise levels ranging from 50 db. to 110 db.
• May be exposed to chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facilities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

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.