Live Production Manager

Perdue; Ahoskie (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms Inc. in Ahoskie, NC seeks a Live Production Manager to lead Feed, Hatchery and Grow-Out operations, drive performance, animal welfare, and cost efficiency across the live production network.

You will partner with contract growers and cross-functional teams, set performance standards, manage budgets, and develop a high-performing team through coaching, training, and succession planning, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field for poultry operations.
• 8-10 years of progressive poultry production leadership experience.
• Experience leading multiple teams, locations, and contract grower operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all live production functions supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve production, quality, animal welfare, and financial goals.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures across all live production functions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure alignment between live production objectives and company strategic goals.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a related field

Job description

Live Production Manager

Ahoskie, North Carolina, United States Job ID 81955 Job Category Live Production

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 bird performance across our live production network as a Live Production Manager. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations while driving continuous improvement initiatives that support quality, efficiency, and sustainable growth. You will lead production teams and partner closely with contract growers and cross-functional teams, including Technical Services, Safety, Food Safety, Environmental, and Hatchery operations, to ensure exceptional animal welfare, biosecurity, regulatory compliance, and cost performance. This role is ideal for a results-driven leader who excels at developing teams, building strong partnerships, and delivering outstanding operational results in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.

• Lead and coordinate all live production functions supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve production, quality, animal welfare, and financial goals.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures across all live production functions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure alignment between live production objectives and company strategic goals.
• Collaborate with Feed Mill leadership to ensure timely delivery of quality feed to all production facilities.
• Monitor feed conversion performance and identify opportunities to improve feed utilization and flock performance.
• Support nutrition programs and feed management strategies that maximize production efficiency.
• Coordinate resolution of feed quality, logistics, and inventory issues impacting operations.
• Partner with Hatchery Management to optimize hatchability, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor hatchery performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
• Coordinate chick placement schedules and communication between hatchery and grow-out operations.
• Direct grow-out activities to achieve performance objectives for livability, feed conversion, growth rates, and processing yields.
• Provide leadership and support to field managers, service technicians, and contract growers.
• Monitor flock performance and implement corrective actions to improve production results.
• Oversee live supply planning and farm management activities.
• Promote best management practices across all grow-out facilities.
• Ensure strict compliance with company biosecurity and animal welfare programs.
• Partner with Veterinary Services to implement flock health and disease prevention programs.
• Lead response efforts related to disease challenges and emergency preparedness.
• Support animal welfare audits and regulatory inspections.
• Develop, manage, and control departmental budgets and operational expenses.
• Analyze production and financial data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive cost-control initiatives while maintaining production performance and quality standards.
• Support capital projects and operational planning efforts.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with contract growers.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management for growers and production personnel.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing team members.
• Promote employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain environmental compliance and support sustainability initiatives.
• Promote workplace safety and ensure adherence to company safety programs.
• Support audit readiness and corrective action processes.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of progressive poultry production leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations.
• Experience leading multiple teams, locations, and contract grower operations.
• Strong knowledge of poultry production systems, animal health, nutrition, and welfare programs.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Frequent travel to farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and production facilities.
• Exposure to agricultural and production environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to operational emergencies as needed.
• Exposure to live poultry and airborne contaminants.
• Must be medically cleared to wear a respirator in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Exemptions may be considered in accordance with applicable laws.
• This position involves exposure to live poultry and airborne contaminants in poultry production environments. Because respiratory protection may be required to safely perform essential job duties, successful completion of OSHA-required medical evaluation and respirator fit testing is required before performing certain essential job functions. In addition, due to the nature of this work and associated health and safety considerations, an annual influenza vaccination is required.

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.

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