Operations Leadership Trainee: Rotational Pathways

Perdue Farms; Cromwell (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pathways training events

Transition bonus

Relocation assistance

Advancement to Supervisor role

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Perdue Foods is launching the Operations Management Trainee Pathways Program in June 2027 to develop future leaders in premium proteins. The 24‑month program combines hands‑on learning, structured rotations, mentorship, and leadership development to build technical, operational, and leadership skills for leading high‑performing teams.

During year one, participants rotate through key operations areas and transition into a full‑time supervisor role at 12 months.

Qualifications

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Bachelor’s degree completed within 24 months of Pathways start date; preferred concentrations include Mechanical, Electrical, Reliability, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology or related fields.
• For the June 2027 program, eligible graduation dates include May 2025 – May 2027.
• Willingness to rotate across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well in a team or independently.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured rotations across key operational areas to gain end‑to‑end understanding of plant operations and business results.
• Support associate safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and operational standards.
• Develop working knowledge of production processes, equipment, labor utilization, productivity and quality measures.
• Assist with coaching, onboarding, and performance conversations as you progress toward a Production Supervisor role.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on assigned projects or topics to leadership.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Perdue Foods is launching the Operations Management Trainee Pathways Program in June 2027 to develop future leaders in premium proteins. The 24‑month program combines hands‑on learning, structured rotations, mentorship, and leadership development to build technical, operational, and leadership skills for leading high‑performing teams.

During year one, participants rotate through key operations areas and transition into a full‑time supervisor role at 12 months.