Production Associate Jobs in Dover, DE (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

As a Production Supervisor, you will play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently each day. You will lead and support hourly associates across receiving, order processing, production, and shipping, ensuring finished products move seamlessly through the warehouse. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact by championing quality, safety, and compliance while driving productivity and engagement on the floor. Through strong leadership and collaboration, you will help uphold USDA, QA, and facility standards while contributing to a positive, high performing work environment.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am-4:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Safety and Risk Management

• Enforce safety protocols, team compliance with safety standards and a safe working environment for all associates.
• Conduct regular safety training, risk assessments and incident investigations to prevent workplace injuries.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure team compliance with Safety Standards.

Food Safety and Quality Standards, Regulatory and Environmental Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain compliance with all food safety regulations and company policies, including HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation protocols, to maintain a safe and high-quality production environment.
• Ensure all products meet or exceed established quality specifications through rigorous adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Lead corrective actions non-compliance and drive initiatives to reduce waste, contamination risks and product recalls.
• Implement and monitor quality control processes, including inspections, audits, and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant regulations, including OSHA, ISO standards, and industry-specific requirements. 
• Lead corrective actions for non-conformances and drive initiatives to reduce waste, contamination risks, and product recalls.
• In collaboration with leadership, execute lean manufacturing principles to enhance productivity and reduce costs. 
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost operational efficiency and product quality. 
• Verify the facility adheres to all relevant environmental laws and regulations including those related to air and water quality, waste disposal and hazardous management.

People Development, Engagement and Leadership

• Mentor and coach team members on enhancing skills while managing performance and learning and development of the team.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and engaged team culture aligning with company values, leadership behaviors while promoting associate growth.
• Drive associate engagement and retention.

Production Oversight

• Supervise and coordinate daily production activities to meet schedules, customer specifications, output goals and quality standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance to monitor equipment performance and operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Optimize labor, raw materials and equipment usage to ensure cost-effective operations while meeting production standards.

Reporting and Communication

• Maintain accurate production records including output, quality metrics and associate performance and attendance.
• Provide regular updates to management on production status, challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Act as a liaison between production teams and other departments such as engineering, quality assurance and supply chain.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED and a minimum of 2-3 years in a manufacturing environment with 1+ year in a supervisory role. 
• Bachelor's/Associate's degree candidates with no manufacturing experience must have at least 1+ years of supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a focus on associate development.
• In depth knowledge of quality control processes and compliance standards (i.e. ISO, OSHA, etc.).
• Awareness and willingness to learn lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (i.e. SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be available to work 2nd shift hours.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree highly preferred.
• Poultry or Protein production experience.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, OSHA 10/30 or similar certifications.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• When in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

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.