2027 Management Trainee Program

About the Program

Our 12‑month rotational Management Trainee Program provides recent graduates with a unique opportunity to explore every area of the business, from live operations to production, distribution, and everything in between. Trainees gain exposure to diverse career paths, meaningful learning experiences, and a variety of leadership approaches that help them develop their own leadership style and prepare for a successful career with Butterball.

The primary rotation locations are:

• Mount Olive, NC – Processing Facility
• Garner, NC – Corporate Office
• Huntsville, AR – Processing Facility

In addition to these primary rotations, trainees will have opportunities to visit other Butterball operation facilities located in North Carolina, Arkansas, and Missouri.

What You’ll Learn

• Rotate through multiple departments and business functions to gain a broad understanding of Butterball’s operations and how teams work together to achieve business goals.
• Build relationships with leaders and team members across the company through rotational experiences, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Learn how leaders across the organization drive results through communication, employee development, problem‑solving, and teamwork.
• Participate in leadership development sessions focused on topics such as communication, presentation skills, situational leadership, business systems, and professional growth.
• Learn and apply company standards related to safety, animal welfare, food quality, environmental compliance, and team‑member engagement.
• Complete meaningful assignments and experiences that strengthen leadership, business, and decision‑making skills.
• Maintain a learning journal to document experiences, reflections, and leadership development throughout the program.
• Develop the foundational skills needed to lead teams in a manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Get

• Exposure to a variety of business functions, departments, and career paths across Butterball.
• Leadership development, coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
• Insight into different leadership styles, approaches, and career journeys.
• Professional and personal development experiences designed to accelerate career growth.
• Housing and relocation assistance.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A full‑time production leadership opportunity upon successful completion of the program.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Agriculture, Business, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field (expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2027).
• Interest in leadership and developing others.
• Adaptable and comfortable navigating new environments, challenges, and learning opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Curious, inquisitive, and eager to learn.
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, internship, co‑op, campus involvement, work experience, or other developmental experiences.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Experience in agriculture, poultry, food manufacturing, operations, or a related industry.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment, computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally climb and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

Work will be performed in a variety of conditions including a climate‑controlled office environment(s) and in a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions.