2027 Management Trainee Program

At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily.

Our 12-month rotational Management Trainee Program provides recent graduates with a unique opportunity to explore every area of our business, from live operations to production, distribution, and everywhere in between. Along the way, trainees gain exposure to diverse career paths, meaningful learning experiences, and a variety of leadership approaches that help them develop their own leadership style and prepare for a successful career with Butterball.

About the Program

Throughout the 12-month program, trainees rotate through key business areas and departments to gain exposure to the people, processes, and strategies that drive our organization. These experiences provide insight into a variety of career paths while helping participants understand what effective leadership looks like across different functions, teams, and environments.

Designed to develop the next generation of manufacturing and operations leaders, the program combines structured leadership development, mentorship, networking opportunities, and rotational assignments designed to build business acumen, strengthen communication and decision-making skills, and prepare participants to lead people and teams with confidence. Throughout the program, trainees are encouraged to reflect on the leadership styles they observe and develop their own leadership approach in alignment with Butterball's values and leadership competencies.

The primary rotation locations are:

• Mount Olive, NC (Processing Facility)

• Garner, NC (Corporate Office)

• Huntsville, AR (Processing Facility)

In addition to the primary rotations, trainees will have opportunities to visit other Butterball operation facilities located in North Carolina, Arkansas, and Missouri.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the program, you will:

• Rotate through multiple departments and business functions to gain a broad understanding of Butterball's operations and how teams work together to achieve business goals.

• Build relationships with leaders and team members across the company through rotational experiences, mentorship, and collaboration.

• Learn how leaders across the organization drive results through communication, employee development, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Participate in leadership development sessions focused on topics such as communication, presentation skills, situational leadership, business systems, and professional growth.

• Learn and apply company standards related to safety, animal welfare, food quality, environmental compliance, and team member engagement.

• Complete meaningful assignments and experiences that strengthen leadership, business, and decision-making skills.

• Maintain a learning journal to document experiences, reflections, and leadership development throughout the program.

• Develop the foundational skills needed to lead teams in a manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Get

• Exposure to a variety of business functions, departments, and career paths across Butterball.

• Leadership development, coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

• Insight into different leadership styles, approaches, and career journeys.

• Professional and personal development experiences designed to accelerate career growth.

• Housing and relocation assistance.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• A full-time production leadership opportunity upon successful completion of the program.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Agriculture, Business, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field (expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2027).

• Interest in leadership and developing others.

• Adaptable and comfortable navigating new environments, challenges, and learning opportunities.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Curious, inquisitive, and eager to learn.

• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated leadership, internship, co-op, campus involvement, work experience, or other developmental experiences.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in agriculture, poultry, food manufacturing, operations, or a related industry.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment, computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally climb and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

• Work will be performed in a variety of conditions including a climate-controlled office environment(s) and in a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions.

• This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing environment.

• The noise level of the office environment is usually moderate; the noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection.

• Travel and relocation are required.

Disclaimer

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.