Operations Management Trainee

Job Description

Operations Management Trainee | Perdue Farms

The Tone:
This is a 24-month leadership development program, beginning in June 2027 in Perry, Georgia, designed for future operations leaders. Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business focused on creating premium protein products while changing animal raising practices. The company values teamwork, integrity, and respect, fostering a supportive environment where every associate is encouraged to contribute. This role matters as it prepares the next generation of leaders to drive operational excellence and achieve strong business results within Perdue’s operations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Perry, GA

• Mission: To prepare future operations leaders to drive operational excellence and strong business results across the business.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft applications, computerized maintenance management systems, AutoCAD

What You’ll Actually Do
• Rotate through key operational areas to build an end-to-end understanding of plant operations, processes, and their impact on business results.
• Apply Perdue’s standards for associate safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance alongside experienced leaders and frontline associates.
• Support daily operational activities and contribute to assigned projects that improve safety, quality, service, productivity, cost, or associate engagement.
• Support the supervision of frontline associates by coordinating work, communicating priorities, and reinforcing expectations in a safe and engaged work environment.
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities that enhance productivity, quality, safety, or operational efficiency, and communicate operational updates to leadership.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or another related engineering or science-based field. Career level: Entry-Level.
• Experience: Degree completed within 24 months of the Pathways Program start date (e.g., May 2025 – May 2027 for a June 2027 program start).
• Skills: Willingness to work a rotation of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to work well within a team setting, as well as independently.
• Bonus: Working knowledge of Microsoft applications; exposure to computerized maintenance management systems; AutoCAD, project management, reliability, maintenance, process control, or related technical experience.