Production Associate Lead - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms; Milford (DE); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k match

Paid time off

Job summary

Perdue Foods in Milford, DE is seeking a Production Associate Lead to oversee daily operations across production lines and processing areas, supporting sanitation standards and safe food handling practices. You will guide team members working with poultry products to ensure quality, efficiency, and a safe work environment.

This position has a target wage of $18.00 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available.

Qualifications

• Must have lead or supervisory experience in production environment preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to guide manufacturing teams.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across production lines and processing areas.
• Support sanitation standards and safe food handling practices.
• Guide and support team members working with poultry products and ensure QA/USDA compliance.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Supervision

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

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

Step into a leadership role that helps drive production excellence. As a Production Associate Lead, you will oversee daily operations across assigned production lines and processing areas while supporting sanitation standards and safe food handling practices. You will guide and support team members working with raw and cooked poultry products, helping ensure quality, efficiency, and a safe work environment. Current assignments may include leading operations within Tenders, Big Bird, and Shipping departments. This role is ideal for motivated associates who enjoy leading teams, maintaining high standards, and making a direct impact on production success.

This position has a target wage of $18.00 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.

In addition to hourly wages, 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.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Weekend as needed.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees work at various stations along the production lines processing poultry food products.
• Adheres to all safety requirements including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures, and Process Safety Management related matters.
• Ensures that the qualities of the products are being met according to the product specification of QA and USDA.
• Ensures that all equipment throughout the departments are running smoothly.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.

Minimum Education And Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Must have lead or supervisory experience in production environment preferred.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.
• Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.

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.