Operations Manager

Overview 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. You will oversee production and track performance metrics, make strategic adjustments, and deliver trusted quality that defines brands such as Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous. This role is about leading with purpose, championing workplace safety and USDA health standards, managing budgets, optimizing resources, and controlling costs to drive profitability. At the same time, you will focus on empowering and inspiring your team, fostering a collaborative environment where employees are motivated to grow and succeed. What You’ll Do Leadership and Team Management: Oversee all shift production operations, direct salaried and hourly production group leaders, foster strong employee relations, provide training, counseling, and recognition programs, and ensure best practices in safety, food safety, quality, process control, and personnel management. Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: Partner internally for layout design improvements, oversee automation improvement projects, implement cost‑saving initiatives, track labor, material, and indirect costs, and continuously seek ways to improve processes and maintain a competitive edge. Safety and Ergonomics: Implement and maintain safety and ergonomic programs, train employees in safety protocols, enforce safety rules, identify hazards, and set measurable goals to reduce injuries. Quality and Compliance: Maintain high product quality and safety standards, align processes with HACCP and SSOP protocols, address product failures, foreign material issues, and ensure staff understand CCPs and the HACCP plan to meet compliance requirements. Contingency and Accountability: Ensure all operating procedures are followed and updated as needed, and step in or delegate responsibilities when key personnel are absent 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 of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management, development, or project leadership. Experience using a variety of computer applications, including time‑keeping systems, SAP, and Microsoft Office programs, to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Ability to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours as needed, and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time. Other Skills That Make You Stand Out In-Depth Manufacturing Expertise: Solid understanding of lean manufacturing processes, optimizing yields and plant efficiencies, and mastering operations procedures. Strong Knowledge of Industry Standards: Proficient in OSHA standards, USDA guidelines, and HACCP regulations. Bilingual Advantage: Ability to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments. Dynamic Team Player: thrives in fast‑paced, ever‑changing environments, working seamlessly with others while fostering a respectful and team‑oriented atmosphere. Physical Demands & Work Environment Office and plant setting, including wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level is usually moderate, but can be loud in the production area. Occasional lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequent standing, walking, using hands to handle or feel, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, or hearing. 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