Production Manager Trainee 1

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Waverly (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well programs

LinkedIn Learning

Guild tuition assistance

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Smithfield, Virginia, is seeking a Production Manager Trainee to learn and demonstrate skills across farm departments and to become certified in company systems and industry standards.

This role operates under supervision while progressing through a leadership development program. The position requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and a willingness to relocate for training and initial managerial assignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related Agricultural field, or currently enrolled college student with anticipated graduation by end of current semester.
• Must be able to work a 48-hour week, which can vary.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.

Responsibilities

• Learns, demonstrates capability/knowledge and becomes certified in all farm department areas including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing.
• Gains understanding of Smithfield systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, herd health, genetics, husbandry.
• Performs hourly jobs under supervision and progresses to leadership certification.

Skills

Lead others

Relocation

Microsoft Office

Team oriented

Education

Bachelor's in Animal Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Us

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 Production Manager Trainee

The Production Manager Trainee is responsible for learning, demonstrating knowledge and skills, and becoming certified in all aspects of company systems and the pork industry standards. This position functions under the supervision of the appropriate department leader while performing all duties and responsibilities as a learning/development process.

Core Responsibilities

• Learns, demonstrates capability/knowledge and becomes certified in all farm department areas including fulfilling all the requirements and responsibilities listed under the Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing job description.
• Gains a solid understanding of and ability to implement company systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, husbandry, etc.
• Performs and masters all hourly jobs under supervision.
• Becomes certified in each job after showing competence and skill/understanding in each.
• Develops and prepares required reports on experiences encountered and addresses/shares opportunities for improvement.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield LLC subscribes.
• Responsible for completion of Leadership Certification.
• Incumbent will be responsible for understanding and complying with company IPS, biosecurity, animal welfare, and EMS policies and procedures in the performance of their job duties.
• Reports all environmental, animal care, and biosecurity issues immediately to their supervisor.
• Performs the responsibilities as the acting HOD as needed by management.
• Be on call to work in emergency situations such as alarm calls, inclement weather, power outages, personnel shortages, and environmental emergencies.
• Responsible for progression in the Manager Training development program.
• Reports any issue that interferes with completion of development program to Human Resources.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Animal Science or related Agricultural field of study, or currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current semester.
• Must be able to work an average 48-hour week, which can vary frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• Must shower in and out of farm facilities daily.
• Ability to lead others.
• Ability and willingness to relocate to complete training and assume first managerial assignment.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft software.
• 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.
• Must be supportive of the mission of raising swine for human consumption of high-quality pork products.
• Must be able to tolerate and willing to learn and perform the following tasks: euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging for identification, taking blood samples and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.
• Must be able to operate a high-pressure washing system.

Supervisory Responsibilities

When basic technical certification is complete, will provide leadership and guidance to personnel within a department with Manager oversight.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. 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. Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.

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.

Benefits & Development

• 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.

About the Company

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. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. 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.