Workers Compensation Manager

Smithfield Foods; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Workers’ Compensation Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of claims, coordinate with TPAs, medical providers, and counsel, and ensure compliance with applicable laws. You will lead a team, manage investigations, and drive cost control and employee rehabilitation.

The role involves administering return-to-work plans, coordinating accommodations, and collaborating with HR/Operations to reduce risk while maintaining program metrics and accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years of experience managing workers’ compensation claims.
• Strong leadership with at least 2+ years in a leadership role, including team development and management.
• Solid understanding of workers' compensation laws and multi-state dynamics.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and risk management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of workers’ compensation claims from injury filing to resolution.
• Partner with TPAs, medical providers, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders for effective claim management.
• Administer and oversee return-to-work programs and manage work restrictions.
• Ensure ADA, FMLA compliance and maintain accurate claim records for audits and reporting.
• Collaborate with HR, EHS, Health Services, and Operations to support injury prevention and risk mitigation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication

Analytical reasoning

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Risk management systems

Job description

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.The Workers’ Compensation Manager is responsible for overseeing all workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work activities utilizing the company's Workers’ Compensation Claims Management Program. This role serves as the primary liaison between employees, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), medical providers, management, and other stakeholders to ensure timely claim resolution, regulatory compliance, cost control, and successful employee rehabilitation and return to work.The Workers’ Compensation Manager acts as both a claims specialist and employee advocate, providing oversight throughout the life cycle of each claim, ensuring thorough investigations, effective case management, and adherence to Workers’ Compensation laws and applicable federal regulations.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.Core Responsibilities ListClaims AdministrationManage the full lifecycle of workers’ compensation claims from injury reporting through resolution.Partner with TPAs, medical providers, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective claim management.Review claims, investigations, and medical documentation to support timely and appropriate outcomes.Participate in claim reviews, hearings, mediations, and litigation matters as needed.Return-to-Work ManagementAdminister and oversee transitional duty and return-to-work programs.Coordinate employee work restrictions, accommodations, and return-to-work plans.Work with HR and operations to support compliance with ADA, FMLA, and related regulations.Compliance and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with South Dakota workers’ compensation laws and company policies.Maintain accurate claim records and support audits and reporting requirements.Identify claim and injury trends and recommend strategies to reduce risk and costs.Safety and PartnershipCollaborate with HR, EHS, Health Services, and Operations to support injury prevention efforts.Assist with incident investigations and corrective action initiatives.Communicate significant claims issues, injury trends, and risk concerns to Regional Managers and site leadership.Administrative ResponsibilitiesPrepare claim status reports and program metrics for leadership.Maintain confidential records and ensure appropriate documentation.Perform other duties as assigned.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.Qualifications ListBachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years of experience managing workers compensation claims and related areas; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.Must understand the dynamics of workers' compensation in multiple states.Understanding of the litigation process related to workers’ compensation claims.Must have a solid understanding of the third party administration process.Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.High level of written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.Knowledge and experience of MSOffice, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint; Enterprise and Global Risk Advantage systems.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.Relocation Package AvailableYesEEO InformationSmithfield 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.