Smithfield Foods

Operations Manager

Smithfield Foods$75K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent education and experience.
  • 2+ years in team management/development or project leadership.
  • Proficient in using various computer applications including SAP and Microsoft Office.
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours; travel up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all shift production operations and direct production group leaders to achieve operational goals.
  • Foster strong employee relations and support their development through training and recognition programs.
  • Track labor and material costs to optimize resources and drive cost-saving initiatives.
  • Lead implementation of safety and ergonomic programs to maintain an injury-free workplace.
  • Ensure high product quality and compliance with HACCP and SSOP protocols, addressing any product failures.

Benefits

  • Relocation package available.
Full Job Description
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Are you ready to take the lead and make a lasting impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? As an Operations Manager at Smithfield, you will be at the heart of our operations, driving production excellence while ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. From overseeing production and tracking performance metrics to making strategic adjustments, you'll play a key role in delivering the trusted quality that defines brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous.

This role is about more than managing processes-it's about creating impact. You will lead with purpose, championing workplace safety and USDA health standards while managing budgets, optimizing resources, and controlling costs to drive profitability. At the same time, you'll focus on empowering and inspiring your team, fostering a collaborative environment where employees are motivated to grow and succeed.

As the driving force behind your plant or assigned area, you will have the opportunity to innovate, solve challenges, and contribute to our legacy of excellence. If you're looking for an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape the future of food production, this is your chance to join a company where your leadership and expertise will truly make a difference.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Leadership and Team Management: You will oversee all shift production operations, directing salaried and hourly production group leaders to ensure smooth and efficient processes, ensuring that teams stay motivated, aligned, and focused on achieving operational goals. You will foster strong employee relations, making Smithfield an employer of choice by providing training, counseling, and recognition programs that support employee development and morale. Guiding your team leaders, you'll ensure best practices in safety, food safety, quality, process control, and personnel management.
  • Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: You will partner internally for layout design improvements, oversee automation improvement projects, and implement cost-saving initiatives. By tracking labor, material, and indirect costs, you'll work to stay within budget while meeting or exceeding goals for yields and operational efficiencies. Additionally, you will continuously look for ways to improve processes and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Safety and Ergonomics: You will take the lead in implementing and maintaining safety and ergonomic programs to create an injury-free workplace. You'll ensure employees are trained in safety protocols, observe and enforce safety rules and practices, identify and address hazards, and set measurable goals to reduce injuries and associated costs.
  • Quality and Compliance: You will maintain high product quality and safety standards, ensuring all processes align with HACCP and SSOP protocols. It will be your responsibility to address product failures, foreign material issues, and ensure all staff are well-versed in CCPs and the HACCP plan to meet compliance requirements.
  • Contingency and Accountability: You will ensure that all operating procedures are followed and updated when necessary for accuracy and efficiency. In the absence of key personnel, you will step in or delegate responsibilities to maintain seamless operations and meet all required goals.


WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years' relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
  • Experience using a variety of computer applications, including time-keeping systems, SAP, and Microsoft Office programs, to streamline processes and enhance productivity across the team.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands and open to travel up to 10% of the time.


OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • In-Depth Manufacturing Expertise: Bring a solid understanding of lean manufacturing processes, from optimizing yields and plant efficiencies to mastering operations procedures, ensuring smooth and productive plant operations.
  • Strong Knowledge of Industry Standards: Well-versed in OSHA standards, USDA guidelines, and HACCP regulations, ensuring compliance and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.
  • Bilingual Advantage: Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration.
  • Dynamic Team Player: Thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, working seamlessly with others while fostering a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented atmosphere. Committed to building strong, positive relationships that drive team success.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.


IndSPR-Ops
Relocation Package AvailableYes

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a meat processing company that produces and markets a variety of fresh and packaged meats. The company was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield Foods operates in the United States and internationally, and its products are sold under a number of well-known brands. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Smithfield Foods is a subsidiary of WH Group, a Chinese meat processing company.
Learn more about Smithfield Foods
Size
54,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1936

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