General Manager

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; Iowa; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LinkedIn Learning

Tuition assistance

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Professional development programs

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a General Manager to lead a production site, directing all aspects of the operation to ensure profitability and a safe, efficient workplace. You will drive labor and material planning, optimize yields, and foster teamwork and professional growth among staff.

The role requires extensive plant management experience, leadership skills, and willingness to travel as needed to meet operational demands. Relocation may be considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Business or related field is required.
• 10+ years of experience in plant management.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: optimize performance and efficiency to drive profitability.
• Financial & Strategic Oversight: manage P&L and budgets.
• Safety, Quality & Community Relations: ensure safe, sustainable operations and strong community relations.
• Process Improvement & Cost Savings: lead continuous improvement and lean initiatives across facilities.
• Leadership & Team Development: oversee shift production operations and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Business or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Have a seat at our table. 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.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a General Manager at Smithfield, you will lead and oversee all aspects of a business unit site, directly shaping the success of the operation through operational excellence, strategic alignment, and culture effectiveness. You will be the driving force behind producing high-quality products, ensuring profitability, and maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient workplace. In this role, you’ll be at the helm of critical decisions that influence the company’s bottom line. From planning and managing budgets to optimizing resources and streamlining operations, you’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact. Your expertise will guide how labor, raw materials, yields, and supplies are utilized, all while fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth among employees. This is your chance to step into a role where your leadership isn’t just valued—it’s essential. With the autonomy to lead, innovate, and deliver results, you’ll play a pivotal part in the ongoing success of the organization while advancing your own career.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Operational Excellence: You’ll optimize performance and efficiency, using key metrics to implement impactful solutions that drive profitability and ensure operational success. You will drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
• Financial & Strategic Oversight: You will take charge of the P&L, driving growth and profitability across all business units, while shaping and managing budgets to align with ambitious strategic goals.
• Safety, Quality & Community Relations: You’ll champion a safe, sustainable, and quality-driven operation, while building strong, positive relationships with employees and the community to enhance the company’s impact.
• Process Improvement & Cost Savings: You will evaluate plant efficiencies and drives cost savings by identifying and facilitating process improvement projects using A3 methodology. Acting as a change agent, they lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, efficiency, and repeatability across multiple facilities. Through these efforts, they ensure sustainable change and troubleshoot operational issues to drive lasting improvements.
• Leadership & Team Development: 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’ll inspire and lead teams to achieve excellence, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement at every level.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Agriculture, Animal Science, Business or related field and 10+ years’ experience in plant management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development is required.
• Excel in leading diverse teams, fostering an inclusive environment, and building strong working relationships in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbally, and possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to meetings and other locations.
• (10-20% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Industry & Regulatory Expertise: You have a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, OSHA, USDA, and Food Safety regulations, along with knowledge of the pork industry and meat products. You have demonstrated the ability to identify and implement continuous improvement plans, lean manufacturing initiatives, 5S, and statistical analysis to drive change.
• Technical & Financial Acumen: You are proficient in SAP, Microsoft Excel, and Word, with a strong grasp of cost accounting and P&L management to drive operational and financial efficiency.

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 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 is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include 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.

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 veterans 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 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

BENEFITS

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.