Summary

We are actively recruiting for a Food Safety and Quality Associate to support the implementation and continuous improvement of Food Safety and Quality programs across Live Operations—including Breeders, Hatcheries, Feed Mills, and Grow Out facilities. This role is responsible for enforcing program requirements and SOPs related to food safety, operational quality, biosecurity, and overall compliance. The specialist will also conduct periodic audits to ensure adherence to established standards.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Update food safety and quality standards based on audit results and risk assessments, incorporating feedback from senior management and company veterinarians.
• Serve as the liaison between internal teams and external auditors (USDA and third-party), ensuring timely and professional responses to audit inquiries and non-conformances.
• Analyze data and recommend continuous improvements, including revisions to Perdue’s Process Verified Programs, Biosecurity Best Management Practices, and Live Production Food Safety BMPs.
• Utilize SafetyChain (electronic monitoring system) and Power BI to analyze data and generate reports for Food Safety, Quality, and Animal Welfare checks.
• Design and deliver ongoing training programs for associates on live production food safety, quality, and Perdue’s Process Verified Programs.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain HACCP and PAACO certifications.
• Ensure compliance with USDA regulations including GMP, SSOP, and HACCP.
• Communicate effectively across all organizational levels, demonstrating strong written and verbal skills.
• Promote and drive change through collaboration and leadership.
• Travel to other facilities and plants as needed.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Prior poultry industry experience preferred.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Business Management, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Equivalent work experience may be considered.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of audit experience.
• Experience with USDA Salmonella Regulations and conducting compliance audits in Parent Breeders, Hatcheries, Grow Out Locations, and Feed Mills.
• Familiarity with National Chicken Council Animal Welfare Guidelines and auditing Process Verified Programs (e.g., poultry care, animal protein-free, pasture-raised, no antibiotics ever).

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to learn and apply new concepts effectively.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

•             Position can be 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.

•             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 degree to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.

•             May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

•             May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.

•             May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant.

•             Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company