General Manager

Smithfield Foods • Denison, IA

7d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provides leadership and guidance to all departments.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the specified business unit site, which includes all managers, supervisors, office workers, and production employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager