Operations Management Trainee

Location: Perry, GA, US

Operations Management Trainee

Date

Sep 25, 2026

Location

Perry, GA, US, 31069

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Req ID

81454

Job Function

College Recruitment (Interns/OMTS/LMTS)

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

Are you ready to launch your career as a future Operations leader at Perdue? As part of our Operations Management Trainee (Pathways) Program, beginning in June 2027 in Perry, Georgia, you’ll embark on a 24-month leadership development journey designed to prepare the next generation of operations leaders. Through hands-on learning, meaningful projects, structured rotations, mentorship, and leadership development, you’ll gain real-world experience across key areas of our operations while building the technical, operational, and leadership skills needed to lead high-performing teams and make a lasting impact on business performance. During your first year, you’ll rotate through key operational areas, gaining a strong foundation in our business and developing the skills and experience needed to take on increasing responsibility before transitioning into a full-time supervisor role at the 12-month mark. Your second year will accelerate your growth through personalized development, mentorship, cohort learning, and advanced learning experiences designed to strengthen your leadership capabilities and prepare you for long-term success. This program is ideal for motivated, curious, and driven individuals who are eager to learn, take on meaningful challenges, lead others, and build a rewarding career driving operational excellence and strong business results at Perdue.

Benefits

Participate in up to two (2) Regional Pathways Training events alongside fellow participants from across the organization. These experiences include leadership development, networking opportunities, company tours, community service initiatives, social events, and direct interaction with senior leaders.

Competitive starting salary with scheduled pay increases after 6 and 12 months in the program.

Comprehensive benefits package, including a transition bonus and relocation assistance for eligible participants.

Opportunity to advance into an Operations Supervisor role upon successful completion of the first 12 months of the Pathways Program.

During your second year, you’ll continue accelerating your career through advanced leadership development, personalized career mapping, enhanced learning opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship designed to prepare you for long-term success at Perdue.

2nd year benefits include: Refining leadership skills, enhanced learning opportunities, personalized career mapping, and dedicated mentorship.

Schedule: Department and shift assignments will vary throughout the rotational program and will be determined based on the participant’s assigned rotation and business needs. Specific schedules will be communicated prior to each rotation.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

OMT I 0-6 months

Participate in structured rotations across key operational areas to build an end-to-end understanding of plant operations, processes, interdepartmental communication, and the connection between operational decisions and business results.

Learn and apply Perdue’s expectations for associate safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and operational standards while working alongside experienced operations leaders and frontline associates.

Develop working knowledge of production processes, equipment, labor utilization, productivity measures, quality measures, and daily operating routines through hands-on learning and observation.

Support daily operational activities under the direction of experienced leaders, gaining exposure to production planning, staffing, workflow, equipment performance, problem-solving, and issue escalation.

Build relationships with frontline associates and cross-functional partners while demonstrating teamwork, integrity, respect, accountability, and a willingness to learn.

Use operational data and observations to identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to assigned projects that support safety, quality, service, productivity, cost, or associate engagement.

Participate in Pathways learning, mentoring, business tours, leadership development sessions, and cohort activities to strengthen communication, business acumen, and leadership capabilities.

Demonstrate increasing independence throughout the first six months by applying learned concepts, communicating observations and recommendations, and taking ownership of assigned tasks and development goals.

OMT II 6-12 months

Continue structured operational learning while taking on increased responsibility for day-to-day production activities and preparing for transition into a full-time Production Supervisor role at the completion of 12 months.

Support the supervision of frontline associates by helping coordinate daily work, communicate priorities, reinforce expectations, and promote a safe, respectful, accountable, and engaged work environment.

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