Corporate Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

When you join Smithfield, you become part of 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.

About the role

Take charge of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Smithfield Foods by becoming a key leader in regulatory compliance and operational excellence. As the Corporate Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager, you will audit existing procedures and implement innovative changes to ensure all facilities adhere to USDA regulations, including the Code of Federal Regulations, Policies, Directives, and Facility Notices. By championing Smithfield’s Policies, Programs, Customer requirements, and specifications, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the quality and consistency of our products. Collaborating closely with Operations Divisional Vice Presidents, you will drive the adoption of cutting-edge, cost-effective technologies supported by scientific rigor, elevating the production standards across our facilities. Additionally, you will deliver specialized training and conduct operational audits to empower teams with the knowledge and tools needed for sustained success. As a leader, you’ll spearhead continuous improvement initiatives and inspire a culture of excellence to support both plant and company-wide objectives.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the food safety and quality systems are scientifically defendable and fully compliant with USDA Code of Federal regulations, policies, directives, and facility notices.
• Audit areas such as written policies, enforcement, and implementation of policies in the product environment and the accuracy of regulatory reports.
• Author, review, and update food safety and quality policies to maintain compliance with USDA and FDA regulations, customer contract requirements, Safe Quality Foods 2000 system level 3 code, and corporate direction.
• Provide training to Food Safety and Quality Assurance staff and plant employees to uphold the highest standard of practice.
• Support facilities during customer audits or regulatory assessments and deliver expertise in areas like smokehouse calibration and operations, sanitary equipment design, microbiological harborage identification, quality plans, and product regulatory requirements.
• Research and monitor emerging industry issues by reviewing online resources, scientific publications, and attending workshops.
• Identify and implement cost-effective, scientifically supportable solutions to mitigate negative impacts from industry problems.
• Use scientific principles to analyze, interpret, and evaluate in-process analytics data.
• Author and develop system improvements that are cost-effective and scientifically dependable.
• Perform continuous data analysis to identify potential trends and assist operations in troubleshooting problematic systems or departments.
• Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years of relevant experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
• Proficiency in food manufacturing processes, quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics.
• Demonstrated experience using a full range of continuous improvement tools and fundamentals to drive results.
• Relevant experience with government regulatory requirements in food processing (USDA, FDA, etc.).
• Ability to document expertise in design & execution of Quality/technical work.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office, Inventory software, Manufacturing software, and SAP.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with demonstrated multi-tasking and project management skills.
• Must be able to travel up to 70% of the time. Travel will be primarily to our process facilities but will also involve occasional meetings with customers, sales, or professional meetings.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Skills

• Previous multi-site responsibility and perishable experience a plus.
• At least 4 years in a management capacity within a manufacturing environment under USDA, preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• 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 requires hearing protection.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; use stairs, some ladder climbing, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Work alternate shifts and some weekends.
• Ability to deliver information to diverse audiences.
• Fundamental mathematical skills for managing Key Performance Indicators.
• Embody respect, approachability, and a team-oriented demeanor for fostering robust working relationships and cultivating a positive work environment.
• Thrive in collaborating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000 annually. 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.

Benefits

At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation package available.