W

Wayne-Sanderson Farms

Nation's third-largest poultry producer

Poultry Processing Supervisor

Full-Time
No salary listed
Junior, Mid
Bachelor's, Associate's
Decatur, AL, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsMachine & Process Operation

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of one year of experience within a manufacturing setting is required.
  • One year of leadership experience is required, including knowledge of timekeeping requirements, policy adherence, Top 25 behaviors, conflict resolution, and efficient issue resolution.
  • Working knowledge of poultry processing, food safety regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points is required.
  • The ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers in a timely and professional manner is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are required, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
  • Proficiency in computer and math skills is required.
  • The ability to work independently with strong initiative and a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment is required.
  • The ability to work non-standard or extended shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, is required.
  • The ability to work in environments involving noise above 85 decibels, carbon dioxide, moving production, heat, cold, wet or dusty conditions, and live or raw animal odors is required.
  • The ability to move throughout the shift is required.
  • Employees must follow departmental and company safety policies and programs and wear required protective equipment where mandatory.
Responsibilities
  • Manage the production line or department by establishing procedures and adjusting them as necessary to meet production schedules, increase efficiencies, and meet or exceed budget objectives.
  • Deploy and rotate personnel effectively to optimize efficiency, facilitate ergonomics, and meet production schedules.
  • Ensure daily reporting is accurately completed and recorded, including departmental reports, attendance and staffing, and yields.
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for process optimization involving throughput, waste reduction, product quality, and ergonomics, and reduce or eliminate repeat deficiencies such as held product, accidents, and downtime.
  • Lead or participate in planning and implementing process improvements, monitor improvement metrics, and respond to unfavorable trends.
  • Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure a food-safe and sanitary environment that follows specifications and United States Department of Agriculture requirements.
  • Mentor, coach, train, and cross-train employees while encouraging career development and providing consistent feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
  • Administer performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions fairly and consistently.
  • Follow and promote safety initiatives, including wearing and ensuring others wear appropriate personal protective equipment where mandatory.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments and shifts to meet or exceed departmental and location goals.
  • Learn, understand, and adhere to the current union-negotiated contract when applicable.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
  • Supervise up to 100 employees.
Desired Qualifications
  • An Associate’s degree with relevant college coursework is preferred.
  • Three years of experience in food manufacturing or the poultry industry is preferred.
  • Three years of leadership experience is preferred.
  • The ability to communicate in multiple languages is preferred.

About the company

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is a large poultry producer that raises and processes chicken for retail, foodservice, and other customers. It operates 23 facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas, and employs more than 26,000 people. It offers a broad portfolio of brands, including WAYNE FARMS, SANDERSON FARMS, COVINGTON FARMS, PLATINUM HARVEST, CHEF’S CRAFT, and NAKED TRUTH, with both fresh and further-processed chicken. The company focuses on affordable, high-quality poultry and emphasizes integrity and responsible farm and workplace practices to serve customers and communities.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Oakwood, Georgia

Founded

2022

Get referred to Wayne-Sanderson Farms

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The July 2025 Harrison Poultry acquisition expanded Wayne-Sanderson's Georgia footprint and capacity.
  • September 2026 Mercy Chefs shipments prove operational flexibility across disasters and regions.
  • May 2026 Mississippi State feed mill backing strengthens talent pipelines, research ties, and feed innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The DOJ's January 18, 2025 enforcement motion targets Agri Stats data-sharing and monitorship violations.
  • The 2022 consent decree still burdens management and can extend into 2026 court remedies.
  • Any adverse antitrust ruling could trigger deeper pricing scrutiny, damages, and supplier distrust across poultry.

What makes Wayne-Sanderson Farms unique

  • Wayne-Sanderson is the nation's third-largest poultry producer, with 24 facilities and 27,000 employees.
  • Its vertically integrated network spans hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants, and 2,000 farm partners.
  • The Sanderson brand's 2024 AI chatbot shows unusual consumer-facing experimentation inside a commodity producer.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Poultry Producer
Jul 28th, 2025
Wayne-Sanderson Farms Acquires Harrison Poultry, Expanding Its Footprint in Georgia - Poultry Producer

Wayne-Sanderson Farms, one of the largest vertically integrated poultry producers in the U.S., has announced the acquisition of Harrison Poultry, solidifying its presence in Georgia and expanding operational capacity across […]

PR Newswire
Jan 19th, 2025
Wayne-Sanderson Farms Seeks Relief From Court Against Recent Actions By The U.S. Department Of Justice

OAKWOOD, Ga., Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wayne-Sanderson Farms today filed its own motion seeking clarity and relief from the court that its participation in the industry-standard Agri Stats subscription service is lawful and permitted. This was necessitated by unprecedented actions taken by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. At 2:15 a.m. Saturday morning, the Division filed a motion seeking to declare the Company in violation of the Consent Decree and to force the Company to abandon its longstanding use of the industry benchmarking service Agri Stats

PR Newswire
Jun 4th, 2024
Sanderson Farms Brand Debuts Industry-First Artificial Intelligence Chicken Chatbot Tool

Latest Innovation by Wayne-Sanderson Farms Brand Enhances Online Customer ServiceOAKWOOD, Ga., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- What if instead of having to search online for ideas on what to do with the fresh chicken in the fridge, consumers could ask the experts at Sanderson Farms® for specially-crafted recipes and inspiration for their next meal? This is where the revolutionary new artificial intelligence (AI) Chicken ChatBot comes in. Affectionally known as "Sandy" and powered by OpenAI's API for ChatGPT, consumers can start a chat on the Sanderson Farms website for quick cooking tips, fast recipe finds, helpful serving suggestions, and more. Meet Sandy our new chatbot. "We are proud to introduce Sandy, the first-ever chicken chatbot tool, to answer just about any question as it relates to recipes and cooking tips," said Hilary Burroughs, Vice President of Marketing for Wayne-Sanderson Farms. "We hope consumers find Sandy to be polite, witty and helpful, just like a good friend, to discuss all things chicken."When visiting the Sanderson Farms website, consumers will be prompted to start a chat with Sandy to answer their chicken queries. Sandy is equipped to share delicious chicken recipes based on the unique details provided, and can make recommendations for specific dietary needs and preferences, like gluten-free, Keto, and low-fat