Smithfield Foods

Shift Operations Manager - 2nd Shift

Smithfield Foods$75K — $110K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Logistics or related field with 5+ years of relevant leadership experience.
  • 2+ years in team management or project leadership.
  • Desirable hands-on experience in warehouse operations, especially within food distribution.
  • Knowledgeable about refrigerated carrier operations and perishable product handling.
  • Familiarity with SAP, WMS systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and inspire the management team for safe and efficient warehouse operations.
  • Manage labor costs and staff levels to meet business demands effectively.
  • Implement safety programs and ensure compliance with food safety protocols.
  • Regularly inspect facilities and equipment, recommending necessary maintenance.
  • Collaborate with various departments to optimize customer satisfaction and service levels.
  • Foster a positive workplace culture by treating all associates fairly.
  • Handle special service requests and analyze operational data for improvements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and wellness programs.
  • Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
  • Support for community involvement and company-sponsored events.
Full Job Description
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

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

Ready to lead from the front lines? In Operations, you'll oversee production, track product yields, and make real-time adjustments to keep everything running at peak performance-all while ensuring safety and USDA standards are met every step of the way. As an Operations Manager in our Distribution Center, you'll manage daily activities involving transportation, warehousing, and related services to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction and meet cost objectives. Your leadership will uphold the trusted quality behind iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous, powering the supply chain that keeps America's favorite flavors moving!

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.

  • Lead Warehouse Operations - Direct and inspire your management team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-performing warehouse operations. Delegate and oversee key operational functions, driving planning, execution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Optimize Resources & Costs - Manage labor expenses and monitor weekly payroll to keep costs in check without sacrificing performance. Review staffing levels to ensure the right team is in place to meet business demands.
  • Champion Safety & Compliance - Execute robust safety and security programs to protect people and products. Oversee Safety Committee initiatives and host local, state, and federal inspections with confidence. Ensure strict adherence to quality assurance and food safety protocols at every step.
  • Maintain Facilities & Equipment - Inspect warehouse conditions and equipment regularly, recommending repairs or replacements as needed. Develop and document standard and emergency operating procedures for receiving, storing, shipping, and salvaging products.
  • Collaborate for Customer Success - Partner with Customer Service, Deployment, Transportation Operations, and DC Management to meet customer expectations and service levels. Review operational issues impacting costs and customer satisfaction, ensuring timely resolutions.
  • Foster a Positive Workplace - Ensure fair, consistent treatment for all associates while building a culture of respect and teamwork. Support company-sponsored events and community involvement programs to strengthen engagement.
  • Handle Special Requests & Reporting - Review business requests for special warehouse services and manage OS&D occurrences effectively. Generate insights by reviewing operational trends and providing actionable recommendations.


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 a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Business Logistics or related field and 5+ years of distribution center/plant shipping leadership experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership
  • Hands-on related warehouse experience highly desired (Ideally in meat or food distribution).
  • Knowledge of refrigerated carrier industry, shipments of perishable products and DC operations.
  • Experience with SAP, WMS computer systems, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.


OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • High level of written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Distribution Center.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.


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.

  • The distribution center 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.
  • Frequently required to move and/or lift 50 pounds and occasionally required to move and/or lift more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.


The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 - $110,000 annually.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableNo

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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