Food Safety & Quality Assurance Management Trainee

Program Overview
Our Management Trainee Program is designed to develop future leaders in Quality Assurance by providing hands-on experience in key areas of our poultry processing operations. This structured 6-month program offers broad exposure to the different facets of quality assurance and compliance while providing the opportunity to work on a high-impact capstone project. We offer two cohorts of management trainees annually, with one class starting in January and the other in June. 

Program Structure

First 3 Months – Rotational Experience
During the first three months, trainees will rotate through critical departments to gain an understanding of the end-to-end operations of our vertically integrated business, with a strong focus on Quality Assurance. Trainees will be exposed to:

• Live Operations: Including animal welfare and pre-harvest quality standards.
• Processing Operations: Understanding food safety protocols, sanitation practices, and product quality assurance in hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants.
• Support Departments: Sales, HR, Accounting, IT, Transportation, Procurement, and others to understand how these functions contribute to overall compliance and quality.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of how Quality Assurance interacts with these departments and its impact on overall operational success.

Last 3 Months – Capstone Project
In the final three months, trainees will concentrate on Quality Assurance and compliance. During this period, they will develop and execute a capstone project designed to address a critical challenge or opportunity related to QA processes. This initiative may involve supporting the launch of an enhanced, company-wide quality assurance platform aimed at improving operational standards. The project will culminate in a formal presentation to senior leadership and executives, presented alongside the incoming cohort of management trainees.

Post-Program Placement
After the program ends, trainees will be placed in available roles within Quality Assurance, such as QA Supervisor, HACCP Supervisor, or other similar positions. If no position is immediately available, the trainee will continue in their current capacity until a suitable role becomes available.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on training across Quality Assurance processes, including HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and other regulatory requirements.
• Assist in auditing and monitoring quality systems to ensure compliance with USDA and company standards.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and address quality-related opportunities and challenges.
• Gain experience in microbial testing, product sampling, and data analysis to maintain food safety and product quality.
• Collaborate with QA and Operations leaders to understand workflow and improve processes.
• Develop and present a capstone project focused on quality improvements or operational efficiencies.
• Build strong relationships with employees and leaders across the company.
• Attend leadership workshops to enhance professional skills.
• Complete weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly reports related to program progress.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Quality Assurance and food safety within the poultry processing industry.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• A proactive approach to work with a high degree of ownership and accountability.
• Must be willing to travel to various Mountaire Farms facilities throughout the program (DE & NC).

Program Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Exposure to senior leadership and executives.
• Leadership and professional development opportunities.
• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-impact QA environment.
• Opportunity for full-time employment and career advancement upon successful completion of the program.