Senior Manager, Fleet Operations

Smithfield Foods; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Senior Manager of Fleet Operations to lead strategic direction, performance, and continuous improvement of our private fleet across regions. You will drive safety, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance while overseeing vehicle acquisition, maintenance, telematics, and vendor partnerships.

Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, and Safety leadership to implement innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and enhance fleet performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of fleet or dedicated operations experience.
• 2+ years of team leadership or project leadership is required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and safety/compliance programs.
• Experience with fleet maintenance programs and logistics management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fleet management strategy focused on safety and cost optimization.
• Oversee procurement, utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management of the fleet.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Manage budgets and identify cost-reduction opportunities through better utilization and vendor negotiations.
• Lead vendor relationships with leasing, maintenance, fuel, and technology providers.
• Drive telematics implementation and fleet management system enhancements.
• Identify sustainable fleet initiatives aligned with environmental goals.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and EHS to align priorities.
• Establish KPIs and monitor performance to drive data-driven decisions.
• Travel up to 25% to visit operations and vendors.

Skills

Fleet leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory knowledge

Data analytics

Telematics

Vendor management

Cross-functional

Team development

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

TMS systems

Telematics tools

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 Senior Manager of Fleet Operations, you will lead the strategic direction, performance, and continuous improvement of our private fleet operations across multiple regions. You will be responsible for developing and executing fleet strategies that drive efficiency, safety, cost optimization, and compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations. This role oversees vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel management, telematics, and vendor relationships to ensure the company's fleet supports business needs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. The Senior Manager partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Safety leadership to implement innovative solutions that enhance fleet performance, reduce environmental impact, and support Smithfield's operational excellence and sustainability goals.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Fleet Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive fleet management strategy focused on safety, efficiency, compliance, and cost optimization across all business units.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee daily fleet operations, including vehicle procurement, utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management, ensuring maximum uptime and performance.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, DOT requirements, and company safety standards through proactive monitoring and training initiatives.
• Budgeting & Cost Management: Develop and manage fleet budgets, control expenses, and identify opportunities for cost reduction through improved utilization, fuel efficiency, and vendor negotiations.
• Vendor & Partner Relations: Partner internally and assist with contract negotiations and manage relationships with external partners, including leasing companies, maintenance providers, fuel vendors, and technology suppliers.
• Technology & Telematics: Drive the implementation and optimization of fleet management systems and telematics tools to enhance visibility, safety, and performance tracking.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Identify and implement sustainable fleet initiatives such as alternative fuels, electrification, and emissions reduction strategies in alignment with Smithfield's environmental goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and EHS teams to align fleet operations with business objectives and improve service delivery across the organization.
• Performance Reporting & Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate fleet performance, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Travel: Travel up to 25% required to visit fleet operations, vendors, and Smithfield locations across the U.S. to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence.
• Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Proven success in leading fleet or dedicated operations, including driver recruitment, safety programs, and cost optimization.
• Leadership: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
• Adaptability & Execution: Organized, results-driven, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities and complex operational challenges. Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of fleet operations, vehicle maintenance programs, DOT/FMCSA regulations, safety compliance, and logistics management systems.
• Team Development: Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive accountability, and build a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Financial & Analytical Skills: Demonstrated experience managing budgets, analyzing cost structures, and using data to optimize fleet utilization and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience implementing and leveraging telematics, fleet management software, and analytics tools to enhance operational transparency and performance.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage complex vendor relationships and ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively across departments and leadership levels.
• Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Forward-thinking leader who can identify emerging trends and implement innovative solutions that align with business and environmental goals.
• Adaptability & Execution: Organized, results-driven, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities and complex operational challenges.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Experience with temperature controlled and/or the perishable foods industry preferred.
• Experience with SAP or other TMS systems.
• Experience with the latest Fleet Management systems including dispatch tools, telematics, other relevant technologies.
• Ability to motivate transportation team with a focus on maintaining a high level of morale.

The expected pay range for this position is $95,000 - $130,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of thesalary or hourly wagethe company reasonably expects to pay for a positionat the time of hire. 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. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.

Relocation Package AvailableYes

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.