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Wayne-Sanderson Farms

Nation's third-largest poultry producer

Shift Manager

Full-Time
No salary listed
Senior, Expert
Bachelor's, Associate's
Kinston, NC, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent and at least 8 years of relevant experience in a similar manufacturing environment, or an associate degree in a relevant discipline and at least 6 years of relevant experience in a similar manufacturing environment.
  • At least 5 years of leadership and/or supervisory experience involving more than 200 persons.
  • Working knowledge of poultry processing, food safety regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.
  • Proficient knowledge of production processes, general line maintenance, and staffing.
  • Proficient oral and written English language skills.
  • Proficient knowledge and use of Microsoft Office programs.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
  • Ability to handle and resolve most issues independently.
  • Ability to understand and interpret data while drawing logical conclusions from available inputs.
  • Critical thinking skills in standardized situations and non-routine problems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and prioritize work accordingly.
  • Ability to work in extreme temperatures and environments that may be wet, cold, hot, and humid; tolerate odors and moderate to extreme noise; lift up to 50 pounds; and perform bending, twisting, climbing, stacking, pushing, and prolonged standing.
  • Availability for occasional weekend and off-shift work.
  • Dependable, results-oriented work style with a strong sense of urgency and sound work ethic, honesty, and moral character.
Responsibilities
  • Direct, control, and coordinate all aspects of plant operations on an assigned production shift.
  • Manage assigned shift production operations and production objectives.
  • Work with employees to develop good working relationships and morale while performing administrative duties related to the production process.
  • Foster positive communication to ensure project timelines and tasks are completed.
  • Develop and train employees, hold monthly shift safety meetings and group discussions, and troubleshoot issues that may affect production.
  • Handle employee grievances.
  • Oversee production employees and provide an environment that supports maximum quality and productivity performance.
  • Manage production processing and employee performance, including positive and corrective feedback.
  • Ensure safety throughout the assigned work area.
  • Review and ensure reporting requirements are fulfilled in a timely manner.
  • Work with Quality Assurance to maintain a food-safe and sanitary environment within specifications and United States Department of Agriculture requirements.
  • Establish and adjust procedures to meet production schedules, efficiency targets, and budget objectives.
  • Plan and implement process improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with established food safety programs, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points programs, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
  • Optimize profit and reduce costs through continuous improvement activities and employee involvement.
  • Perform other assigned duties.
Desired Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution.
  • At least 8 years of experience within the food manufacturing industry.
  • At least 8 years of supervisory and/or leadership experience.

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

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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.

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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