Vice President of Live Production

Perdue Farms, Inc.; Bridgeville (DE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms, Inc. seeks a visionary Vice President of Live Production to lead regional operations, driving performance, safety, and efficiency across hatcheries, mills, and processing plants. You will craft production strategy, build high‑performing teams, and manage budgets to deliver sustainable results.

Travel up to 40–50% is expected; MBA is preferred. This leadership role requires a track record of transforming operations and delivering measurable outcomes within the poultry industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in the poultry industry or related environment.
• Ability to travel up to 40-50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for Live Production Operations.
• Provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance management for regional Live Production teams.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, personnel decisions, production initiatives, and safety programs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People development

Budgeting

Change management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

MBA

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

Lead the future of Live Production at Perdue. As the Vice President of Live Production, you will provide strategic leadership across Live Production Operations within an assigned region, driving performance, operational excellence, and long-term business success. In this highly visible leadership role, you will shape production strategy, strengthen organizational performance, develop talent, and partner with teams across the business to optimize budgets, workforce planning, production programs, and health and safety initiatives. You'll have the opportunity to influence operations at scale, inspire and develop leaders, and turn strategic priorities into measurable results. This role is ideal for a visionary, people-focused leader who thrives in a complex operating environment, excels at building high-performing teams, and is passionate about advancing operational excellence while delivering sustainable results.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic business plans that support a competitive and efficient Live Production Operations program.
• Provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance management for regional Live Production teams.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, personnel decisions, production initiatives, and safety programs to achieve operational goals.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead change management efforts across regional operations.
• Build, develop, and maintain a high-performing leadership team.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and productive work environment.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning, leadership, budgeting, communication, change management, and operational excellence capabilities.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Poultry Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, Business Management, or related field.
• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in the poultry industry or related environment.
• Ability to travel up to 40-50% of the time.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's Degree or MBA.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Ability to work in hatcheries, feed mills, chicken houses, and processing plants.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, chemicals, and physical activities including lifting up to 75 pounds and climbing up to 30 feet.

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.