Job Description
Farmer Advocate and Transformation Manager Salisbury, Maryland, United States Job
ID 80046
Job Category Live Production 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. Champion farmer success and drive operational transformation across our live production network. As the Farmer Advocate & Transformation Manager, you'll be the primary bridge between Perdue and its contract and company growers. You'll spearhead continuous improvement initiatives, accelerating technology adoption, elevating animal care, and boosting live production performance. You'll also identify opportunities, coordinate cross-functional projects, and lead change efforts that improve efficiency, compliance, and the grower experience. This role is perfect for a collaborative, change-driven leader who excels at building relationships and delivering measurable results in a dynamic agricultural environment. The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $102,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off. Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities Lead and facilitate farmer councils and grower engagement forums to foster open communication, transparency, and collaboration. Serve as an advocate for farmers by surfacing and addressing insights, concerns, and operational barriers. Build positive, trust ‑ based relationships with contract growers and live production partners. Support deployment of technologies and tools that improve poultry and farm performance, efficiency, and animal wellbeing. Partner with animal care teams to reinforce compliance, training, and continuous improvement in welfare standards. Collaborate with continuous improvement and live production teams to identify improvement opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives. Participate in root ‑ cause analyses, data reviews, and structured problem ‑ solving to deliver measurable performance improvements. Lead improvement projects when needed and provide field ‑ level feedback to ensure solutions are practical, scalable, and effectively implemented. Manage assigned strategic and ad hoc projects, ensuring clear timelines, milestones, and cross ‑ functional alignment. Support enterprise transformation activities that modernize and optimize live production operations. Track project progress, communicate outcomes, and support change ‑ management activities across stakeholder groups. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in agriculture, animal science, business, or a related field. Five or more years of experience in live production, grower relations, agricultural operations, or continuous improvement. Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship ‑ building skills. Demonstrated ability to manage projects and drive cross ‑ functional initiatives. Working knowledge of farm operations, animal care standards, and production technologies. Preferred Education and Experience Experience in continuous improvement, agricultural operations, or grower relations. 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.
