Live Operations Management Trainee

Mountaire Farms; Selbyville (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountaire Farms invites graduates to join its Management Trainee Program, a structured 6-month rotational experience designed to develop future leaders. Trainees rotate through Live Operations, Processing, Sales, HR, Accounting, IT, Transportation, Procurement and other support departments, finishing with a capstone project presented to senior leadership.

The program starts two cohorts annually, in January and June, with potential for full-time opportunities upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture Science or related field.
• Strong interest in a career in management and leadership.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• A proactive approach to work with a high degree of ownership and accountability.
• Must be willing to travel to different facilities throughout the program (DE & NC).

Responsibilities

• Participate in hands‑on training across multiple business functions
• Engage with cross‑functional teams to understand operational workflows and business processes
• Collaborate with department leaders to identify and work on strategic business initiatives
• Design, develop, and present a capstone project to senior leadership
• Build relationships with employees at all levels and actively participate in the business culture
• Attend leadership and development workshops to enhance personal and professional skills
• Complete weekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly reports as required
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership potential

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ownership & accountability

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture Science or related field

Job description

Program Overview

Our Management Trainee Program is designed to develop future leaders by providing hands‑on experience in key areas of our business. This is a structured 6‑month program that will offer broad exposure to the different facets of our organization and the opportunity to work on a high‑impact capstone project. We offer two cohorts of management trainees annually, with one class starting in January and the other in June.

Job Description

Program Overview

Our Management Trainee Program is designed to provide hands‑on experience in key areas of our business. This is a structured 6‑month program that will offer broad exposure to the different facets of our organization and the opportunity to work on a high‑impact capstone project. We offer two cohorts of management trainees annually, with one class starting in January and the other in June.

Program Structure

• First 3 Months – Rotational Experience: During the first three months, trainees will rotate through critical departments to gain an understanding of the end‑to‑end operations and vertical integration of our business. Trainees will be exposed to:
  • Live Operations
  • Processing Operations
  • Sales, HR, Accounting, IT, Transportation, Procurement, and other support departments.

Post-Program Placement

After the 6-month program ends, trainees will be placed in available positions within their functional area. If no position is immediately available, the trainee will continue working in their current capacity until a suitable role becomes available. Live Operations Trainees will fill roles such as; Breeder Flock Supervisor, Broiler Flock Supervisor, Feed Mill Superintendent, Assistant Hatchery Manager, Hatchery Processing Supervisor, Embrex Supervisor, Live Production Specialist, Feed Delivery Coordinator, and others like roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in hands‑on training across multiple business functions
• Engage with cross‑functional teams to understand operational workflows and business processes
• Collaborate with department leaders to identify and work on strategic business initiatives
• Design, develop, and present a capstone project to senior leadership
• Build relationships with employees at all levels and actively participate in the business culture
• Attend leadership and development workshops to enhance personal and professional skills
• Complete weekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly reports as required
• Other duties as assigned
  

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture Science or a related field
• Strong interest in a career in management and leadership
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment
• A proactive approach to work with a high degree of ownership and accountability
• Must be willing to travel to different facilities throughout the program (DE & NC)
  

Program Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Exposure to senior leadership and executive team
• Leadership and professional development opportunities
• Hands‑on experience in various departments of a vertically integrated company
• Opportunity for full‑time employment and career advancement upon successful completion of the program
  

About Us

Are you looking for more than just a job? The culture at Mountaire is one of our greatest strengths and most valued assets. We maintain the same core values and family‑focused work environment that we’ve operated with since day one. You will find that your peers, supervisor and team members are genuinely committed to, not only your success, but also working together to provide high‑quality products to our customers. We are a service to one another and to our customers, demonstrating operational excellence and outstanding performance.

Mountaire Overview

ABOUT THE TEAM

Mountaire Farms is an agricultural food production and processing company providing work for over 10,000 people at facilities in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Now the fourth largest chicken company in the United States, we are still family owned and fully committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. At Mountaire Farms, our culture is what defines us. It sets us apart from our competition and reinforces what we stand for. Supporting each other, uplifting each other, and helping each other succeed -- that’s the Mountaire way! Our vision is to provide growth, stability, and opportunities for our people, our customers, and our communities by profitably delivering wholesome quality chicken.

Total Compensation

Mountaire also offers an amazing total compensation package! A few examples of our benefits that may be offered to you are: eight paid holidays, Medical Plans with free onsite Health and Wellness Centers, Dental and Vision Programs, Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, Retirement Planning with 401(k), Profit Sharing, Employee Discounted Chicken Sales, Employee Discounts with partners (Car Purchase, Phone Plans, & Shopping), Tuition Reimbursement and many exciting career development programs!