Looking for steady, hands-on work with fast hiring? Chicken factory jobs keep food moving from plant to plate. You’ll help with cutting, packing, labeling, cleaning, or moving stock—following clear rules, wearing PPE, and working in cool, clean areas. No degree needed for most roles. What matters is reliability, stamina, and attention to detail. Shifts are common (early/late/night), and pay can grow with overtime, forklift/HACCP certificates, and good performance. Many workers move up to machine operator, team leader, or quality tech.
Quick answer
Lusiaves Group hires for its Leiria chicken factory across production, logistics, technical and office roles. Most production jobs need no formal qualification — pay starts at or near Portugal’s 2026 minimum wage (€920/month) plus shift allowances. Apply directly through the Lusiaves careers page; check current openings first, as listings change often.
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1986
Year Founded
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20+
Companies in Group
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€920
Min. Wage 2026
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Leiria
Factory Location
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About Lusiaves Group
Lusiaves Group operates a chicken factory in Leiria, covering farming, processing and distribution of poultry products. The group was founded in 1986 and includes more than 20 companies in Portugal’s agri-food sector. The Leiria facility is one of its main production sites and a significant local employer.
Job Types at the Leiria Chicken Factory
The Leiria facility processes and packages poultry products for the domestic and export markets, following standard food safety and quality control rules for the sector.
The types of jobs available at Lusiaves’ Leiria facility range across several areas:
- Production Line Workers: These employees are responsible for the preparation, cutting, and packaging of chicken products. This role is vital to maintaining the company’s high standards in food quality and hygiene.
- Quality Control Inspectors: Quality assurance is key at Lusiaves. Inspectors monitor the entire production process to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, identifying and resolving any issues that may arise.
- Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Handling the distribution of products, these workers manage inventory, prepare shipments, and ensure that products reach their destinations on time.
- Maintenance Technicians: This team ensures that all machinery and equipment at the factory are functioning properly, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
Lusiaves offers training and internal progression for production staff. Pay and benefits vary by role and shift — see the salary section below for specific figures.
Available Chicken Factory Jobs at Lusiaves
Lusiaves has open positions at its Leiria facility across production, logistics, technical and office roles. Current openings include:
- Agricultural Worker (M/F) — Quinta da Cruz
- Sanitation Operator (M/F) — Gala (UTS)
- Purchasing Technician (M/F) — Purchasing · Leiria HQ
- Organisational Psychologist — Human Resources · Leiria HQ
- Purchasing Manager – Construction (M/F) — Purchasing · Leiria HQ
- IEFP Traineeship – Accounting Administrative Technician (M/F) — Accounting · Leiria HQ
- Forestry Cleaning Operator (M/F) — General Services · Ponte da Pedra
- Administrative Technician (M/F) — Accounting · Leiria HQ
- IEFP Traineeship – Works Supervision Technician (M/F) — Construction · Leiria HQ
- IEFP Traineeship – Civil Construction Technician (M/F) — Construction · Leiria HQ
- IEFP Traineeship – Industrial Production Technician (M/F) — Gala (UTS)
- HR Administrative Technician (M/F) — Human Resources · Leiria HQ
- Recruitment & Selection Coordinator (M/F) — Human Resources · Leiria HQ
- Health & Safety Coordinator (M/F) — Leiria HQ
- Spontaneous Application — Leiria HQ
- Cybersecurity Specialist (M/F) — Leiria HQ
- Senior Real Estate Manager (M/F) — Leiria HQ
This list changes regularly. Right now it leans towards office, HR, construction and traineeship roles, with a few hands-on positions (agricultural worker, sanitation operator, forestry cleaning). Production and packing openings come and go — most need no formal qualification, while technical, IT and management roles ask for relevant experience or a degree. Always check the Lusiaves careers page for the current list before applying.
Chicken Factory Jobs Near You in Portugal
Most poultry factory jobs in Portugal are concentrated in the central region, where Lusiaves runs its main operations. If you’re searching for work near you, these are the key areas:
- Figueira da Foz (Marinha das Ondas) — Lusiaves’ headquarters and main poultry processing site.
- Leiria — processing and distribution operations.
- Pombal — production and incubation units at the Guia and Manuel da Mota industrial parks.
The group operates 41 sites across 24 municipalities from north to south, so openings can appear outside these areas too. Other poultry and food companies also hire across Portugal.
To find roles near you, check the company careers page or browse factory jobs in Portugal by region.
How to Apply + CV Tips
Apply directly through Lusiaves’ official recruitment page. Listings change often, so check current openings before applying.
Lusiaves recruitment page (in Portuguese).
- Prepare a one-page CV and a short cover note with start date and shift availability.
- Attach certificates (e.g., HACCP, forklift).
- Answer calls/emails quickly—roles often close in days.
- If you’re from outside the EU, confirm work authorization (visa/permit).
CV — what to highlight for chicken factory jobs
- Header: name, phone/WhatsApp, email, location
- 3-line summary: reliability, shift flexibility, physical stamina, focus on quality/hygiene
- Experience: bullet points = verb + task + result
- “Operated sealer/labeler; +15% productivity, zero labeling errors.”
- “Followed HACCP & 5S; zero non-conformities over 6 months.”
- Skills: HACCP, PPE use, cutting/packing, picking, forklift, industrial cleaning, basic QC
- Availability: immediate start, night/weekend shifts, own transport
- Languages: Portuguese basic/intermediate; English/Spanish is a plus
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for chicken factory jobs
- Long, messy CV; outdated contact details
- Not stating shift availability or start date
- Forgetting to attach relevant certificates or short-term experience
If you’re interested check aditional jobs in Leiria in other companies. Discover also other available jobs in bread factories and follow the latest vacancies on our Facebook page.
Salary & Pay for Chicken Factory Jobs
Portugal’s national minimum wage in 2026 is €920 gross per month, paid 14 times a year (Decree-Law 139/2025). Entry-level production and packing roles typically start at or near this minimum.
The table below shows typical gross monthly ranges by role. These are market estimates, not figures published by any specific employer, and actual pay depends on shift, region, experience and contract.
| Role | Estimated gross/month (2026) |
|---|---|
| Production line worker / packer (entry) | €920 – €1,100 |
| Machine operator | €1,050 – €1,300 |
| Quality control / maintenance technician | €1,200 – €1,500 |
| Team leader / supervisor | €1,400 – €1,800 |
Pay can increase with:
- Night and weekend shift allowances
- Overtime during peak production periods
- Meal subsidy, where offered
- Certificates such as HACCP or a forklift licence
Lusiaves does not publish a fixed salary table for these roles. Confirm exact pay, shift pattern and benefits when you apply or during the interview.
Job Pros / Cons & Safety Basics
Pros
- Fast hiring and paid training for entry roles
- Steady hours (shift system) with overtime/shift allowances
- Clear procedures (SOPs, HACCP) and teamwork
- Real progression: machine operator → quality tech → team leader
Cons
- Physically demanding, repetitive tasks; long time standing
- Cold/damp environment (chilled rooms, wet floors)
- Early/late/night/weekend shifts
- Production targets and fast pace
Safety basics (must-know)
- PPE always: gloves, apron, thermal layers, non-slip shoes, hairnet/mask when required
- Hygiene: wash/sanitize hands, change gloves, avoid cross-contamination
- Ergonomics: micro-breaks, light stretches, rotate tasks when possible
- Machinery: operate only if trained; never bypass guards/sensors
- Cold & wet floors: dress appropriately, walk carefully, mark spills
- Report near-misses and equipment issues immediately
This role sits within Portugal’s wider unskilled job market. See our full guide to unskilled jobs in Portugal for foreigners for salaries and requirements across every entry-level sector.
Looking for other opportunities? Browse all verified jobs in Portugal for foreigners and English speakers.
Is a Chicken Factory Job Worth It?
It depends on what you need. These jobs offer fast hiring and steady hours, but the work is physically hard and pay starts low. Here’s a quick honest take:
It suits you if:
- You want to start working quickly, with little or no experience
- You’re reliable, can handle shift work, and don’t mind a cold, fast-paced environment
- You’re looking for a stable first job in Portugal and want to build experience or move up internally
It may not suit you if:
- You have physical limitations that make long hours standing or repetitive tasks difficult
- You need a salary well above the minimum wage from day one
- You’re a non-EU candidate relying on employer visa sponsorship, which is rare for these roles
For many newcomers, a factory job is a practical entry point rather than a long-term career — useful for getting started, with real progression for those who stay.
Other Chicken & Poultry Factory Employers in Portugal
Lusiaves is the largest poultry producer in Portugal, but it isn’t the only one hiring. Portugal’s poultry industry is spread across the country, so the right employer for you may depend on where you live. These are the other main companies in the sector:
- Valouro Group (Avibom) — the second-largest poultry group, based in Torres Vedras (Lisbon district), with around 2,140 employees. It runs the Avibom, Pinto Valouro and Kilom brands across poultry, animal feed and food processing. Strongest option if you’re looking for work in the Lisbon and West (Oeste) region.
- Savinor (Avicasal / Avozela) — poultry slaughter and processing based in Trofa (Porto district), active for over 35 years. The main large poultry employer in the north of Portugal.
- Campoaves — poultry producer based in Oliveira de Frades (Viseu district), in the central-north interior. A good lead if you’re searching around Viseu or Aveiro.
- Derovo — egg-product processing based in Pombal (Leiria district), close to Lusiaves. Worth checking if you’re open to food-processing roles beyond fresh poultry.
Roles at these companies are similar to those covered above — production line, packing, machine operation, logistics and maintenance — with pay in the same ranges. Each runs its own recruitment, so check their official careers pages for current openings.
For a wider view, browse agriculture jobs in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chicken factory job?
Work in poultry processing, packaging and distribution. Tasks include cutting/trim, deboning, weighing, labeling, palletizing, machine operation, and hygiene control to meet production targets.
Which positions are most common?
Production line worker, packer, machine operator, quality control, sanitation/cleaning, warehouse (picker/stacker/forklift), maintenance helper and team leader/supervisor.
What are the entry requirements?
Usually no formal qualification. You’ll need basic physical fitness, ability to follow SOPs, attention to detail, and reliability with shifts. Technical roles (e.g., machine operator/quality) may ask for specific skills or certificates.
Do I need Portuguese?
Portuguese helps for safety briefings and teamwork. Some factories accept English or Spanish speakers, but basic Portuguese is an advantage and may be required in certain sites.
What’s the typical salary?
Entry pay often starts around the national minimum wage (€920 gross/month in 2026) and varies by role, shift differentials, region, and experience. Overtime, night/weekend allowances and meal subsidies can raise total earnings.
How are the working hours organized?
Shift work is common (early, late, night), typically 8-hour shifts plus possible overtime in peak periods. Weekend/holiday work may be required depending on production plans.
What are the working conditions like?
Fast-paced and physically demanding; long periods standing, repetitive motions, and chilled environments. Strict hygiene, PPE use, and food-safety rules apply at all times.
How do I apply?
Search and apply via job boards and company sites. On Jobs in Portugal you’ll find listings; submit your CV and fill the application form. Tailor your CV to highlight factory/warehouse experience and shift availability.
What about safety and progression/benefits?
Factories follow strict H&S and food-safety standards; PPE and training are provided. Benefits may include meal allowance, overtime premiums, paid holidays and health coverage. With performance and training, you can progress to machine operator, quality, team leader or supervisor.
Do chicken factory jobs in Portugal offer visa sponsorship?
It’s uncommon. Most entry-level factory roles don’t come with formal visa sponsorship, as employers can usually fill them locally or from within the EU. Non-EU candidates typically apply for a job-seeker visa or a work visa once they have a signed contract, rather than relying on employer sponsorship. Check the company’s requirements before applying, and see our guide on work requirements for non-EU citizens.
Are there seasonal or temporary roles?
Yes. Many sites hire fixed-term/seasonal staff during demand peaks. These can be good options if you want flexible or short-term work.