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.
A personal company vehicle is provided for this role. Personal use of this vehicle is allowable within the Perdue Policy Guidelines.
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
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Lead and coordinate all live production functions supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow‑Out Operations.
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Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve production, quality, animal welfare, and financial goals.
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Establish performance expectations and accountability measures across all live production functions.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction.
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Ensure alignment between live production objectives and company strategic goals.
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Collaborate with Feed Mill leadership to ensure timely delivery of quality feed to all production facilities.
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Monitor feed conversion performance and identify opportunities to improve feed utilization and flock performance.
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Support nutrition programs and feed management strategies that maximize production efficiency.
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Coordinate resolution of feed quality, logistics, and inventory issues impacting operations.
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Partner with Hatchery Management to optimize hatchability, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
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Monitor hatchery performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
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Ensure compliance with sanitation, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
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Coordinate chick placement schedules and communication between hatchery and grow‑out operations.
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Direct grow‑out activities to achieve performance objectives for livability, feed conversion, growth rates, and processing yields.
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Provide leadership and support to field managers, service technicians, and contract growers.
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Monitor flock performance and implement corrective actions to improve production results.
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Oversee live supply planning and farm management activities.
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Promote best management practices across all grow‑out facilities.
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Ensure strict compliance with company biosecurity and animal welfare programs.
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Partner with Veterinary Services to implement flock health and disease prevention programs.
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Lead response efforts related to disease challenges and emergency preparedness.
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Support animal welfare audits and regulatory inspections.
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Develop, manage, and control departmental budgets and operational expenses.
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Analyze production and financial data to identify improvement opportunities.
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Drive cost‑control initiatives while maintaining production performance and quality standards.
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Support capital projects and operational planning efforts.
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Build and maintain positive working relationships with contract growers.
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Provide coaching, training, and performance management for growers and production personnel.
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Recruit, develop, and retain high‑performing team members.
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Promote employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
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Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
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Maintain environmental compliance and support sustainability initiatives.
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Promote workplace safety and ensure adherence to company safety programs.
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Support audit readiness and corrective action processes.
Minimum Education and Experience
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Bachelor’s Degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a related field.
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8–10 years of progressive poultry production leadership experience.
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Demonstrated experience supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow‑Out Operations.
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Experience leading multiple teams, locations, and contract grower operations.
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Strong knowledge of poultry production systems, animal health, nutrition, and welfare programs.
Preferred Education and Experience
Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors
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Frequent travel to farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and production facilities.
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Exposure to agricultural and production environments.
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Ability to work flexible hours and respond to operational emergencies as needed.
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Exposure to live poultry and airborne contaminants.
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Annual influenza vaccination required per CDC guidance.
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Must be medically cleared to wear a respirator in accordance with OSHA standards.
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Exemptions may be considered in accordance with applicable laws.
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