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.
The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $192,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).
In addition to the base salary, 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.
Principal Essential Duties & 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.
- 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
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.
- Annual influenza vaccination required per CDC guidance.
- Must be medically cleared to wear a respirator in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Exemptions may be considered in accordance with applicable laws.
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