Operations Manager

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values – gratitude, communication, respect and accountability – and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. What You’ll Do 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, 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, enforce safety rules, 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 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, 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 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. Noisy 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 Available: Yes EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithfield Foods