Plant Manager Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary 

Shape the first impression and long-term success of every associate who joins our team. In this role, you will lead onboarding and training initiatives across plant operations, creating a consistent, engaging experience that sets employees up for success from day one. Partnering with Production, HR, Learning & Development, and Recruiting, you’ll drive programs that strengthen retention, build capability, and support career growth. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, strategic professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring strong communication and collaboration skills, build trusted relationships across teams and the community, and are passionate about developing people and enhancing the overall associate experience. 

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm 

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Create and shape an innovative onboarding experience for the plant’s new hires and temporary workers. 

• Build an onboarding team to develop and manage a “best in class” program, leveraging innovative techniques to optimize the job training experience based on business needs. 

• Manage the plant’s mentor and new-hire trainer functions in accordance with each function’s objectives. 

• Source and build content for the plant’s onboarding program and facilitate Orientation sessions. 

• Partner with operations to create new hire onboarding content, specific to each line of business that ensures associate mastery of job methods. 

• Design and create training materials, online learning modules, and course materials for various production initiatives as needed or when new production jobs are established. 

• Analyze and present monthly metrics from new-hire associate surveys, production performance results, probationary turnover, associate utilization of career path options and overall department/plant retention. 

• Recommend areas of improvement to enhance the new hires’ or transferring associate’s experience. 

• Create, organize, and implement strategies and support initiatives that will improve and transform the overall onboarding process which includes all vestibule job training requirements. 

• Provide ongoing on-boarding and career path management coaching, training, and education to associates, operational leaders and Supervisors, new-hire trainers and mentors. 

• Develop and manage the plant’s onboarding budget, deliver monthly metrics, establish and publish retention/turnover scorecards which track the overall effectiveness of the plant’s on-boarding processes down to the Supervisor level. 

• Conduct periodic audits and/or root cause analysis when issues occur. 

• Manage the Orientation new-hire 30, 60, 90-day feedback process along with the plant’s hourly & maintenance annual performance review process. 

Minimum Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree. 

• 5+ years of experience in operational learning & development, continuous improvement, or other training fields. 

• Demonstrated skill in time and project management. 

• Demonstrated experience in developing people skills and management ability. 

• Strong and influential verbal, written, and presentation skills. 

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management and problem-solving skills. 

• Able to quickly grasp complex concepts and learn new technologies. 

• Able to facilitate classroom and virtual programs effectively. 

• Experience in instructional design. 

• Knowledge of production learning management systems and reporting. 

• Able to work effectively alongside all levels of the organization, under high pressure conditions. 

• Able to prioritize as needed while handling multiple time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment. 

• Able to work as a team player with the flexibility to accommodate different personalities and work styles. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Master’s Degree. 

• Demonstrated success in leading and/or managing food production operational functions. 

• Experience in leading and navigating change and transformation. 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors 

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings. 

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. 

• May need to access files, supplies and equipment. 

• Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment. 

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.