Senior Manager, Fleet Operations

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Suffolk, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Senior Manager of Fleet Operations to lead strategic direction for our private fleet across regions.

You will drive efficiency, safety, and compliance, overseeing vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel management, telematics, and vendor relationships. You will partner with Supply Chain, Operations and Safety to deploy innovative solutions that improve fleet performance and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 8+ years of relevant experience in fleet or dedicated operations.
• Leadership experience: 2+ years in team management or project leadership.
• Strong knowledge of fleet operations, DOT/FMCSA regulations, and safety compliance.
• Proven budget management, cost optimization, and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fleet management strategy focused on safety, efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Oversee daily fleet operations including procurement, utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations and company safety standards.
• Manage budgets, control expenses, and negotiate contracts with vendors and partners.
• Lead technology and telematics initiatives to improve visibility and performance.
• Drive sustainability efforts, including alternative fuels and emissions reduction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance and EHS.
• Establish KPIs and report on fleet performance; travel up to 25% for site visits.

Skills

Fleet operations

Budgeting

Leadership

Telematics

Vendor management

Data analytics

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

TMS systems

Job description

## Senior Manager, Fleet OperationsApply: Onsite: Suffolk, VA: Full time: Posted Today: R-2026-13061**If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.**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. **Apply Now!**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 the **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 the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at 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.* *Learn more about our benefits package here.*Relocation Package AvailableYes