Director of Operations

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and retail and foodservice customers globally while changing the way animals are raised for food. As part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we combine tradition with a forward-thinking mindset. Our culture is built on teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and associates are encouraged to contribute to shared goals. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where team members feel valued and inspired to make an impact.

About the role

Lead a high-performing operation that delivers quality products, operational excellence, and strong financial results. As Director of Operations, you will oversee all aspects of a further processing facility, driving efficiency, optimizing performance, and ensuring customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded. You will guide and develop leadership teams, build a strong workforce, and foster a culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for a strategic, results-driven leader who excels at building teams, improving operations, and delivering sustainable business success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans for areas of accountability, focusing on production, quality, maintenance, research & development, and purchasing, with shared involvement in P&L, logistics, sales & marketing, human resources, and communications.
• Build a strong, progressive management team to ensure growth of the business unit.
• Provide guidance to the management team in developing solutions and budgets for improving processes, maintaining facilities, and innovative problem-solving.
• Enhance company image by collaborating with government and employees, and enforcing ethical business practices.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and promote the company as a preferred place to work.
• Increase management effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; and cultivating a climate for offering information and opinions.
• Ensure product quality, service, and reliability meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Accomplish subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, results measurements, allocating resources, reviewing progress, and making mid-course corrections.
• Prioritize growth of PPMC branded products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related work experience in Business or Ag-Business.
• 10+ years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of budget development and administration, report analysis, USDA, and employment law.
• Broad integrated knowledge of plant operations, sales, quality assurance, finance, and human resources.
• Ability to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings.
• Further processing knowledge of pork, beef, and poultry, and a strong mechanical aptitude are a plus.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• In a plant environment, exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28°F to 100°F with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25°F to 50°F.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 dB to 110 dB.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facilities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment as directed by the company.

Pay

Salary range: $194,000 – $292,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Annual bonus available, variable depending on performance.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Life insurance and optional group life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability protection.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off.