Shift Operations Manager - 2nd Shift

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

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!

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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 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.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 - $110,000 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.