Senior Director, Operations

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Sioux Falls
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. 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. Join our dynamic team at Smithfield Foods, where you will take charge of designated manufacturing operations and drive excellence across our facilities As the Senior Director of Operations, you will strategically plan, organize, direct, and control critical activities with Smithfield’s World Class Manufacturing Operations, ensuring seamless and efficient processes, delivering Good Food, Responsibly™. You will foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, elevating our operational standards and achieving exceptional results. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for operational excellence and a passion for managing diverse teams, we invite you to leverage your talents at Smithfield Foods. 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. Multi-Site Management: You will be responsible for overseeing multiple facilities and guiding department heads on creating goals, implementing standards, conducting regular reviews of progress, and evaluation team’s achievements relating to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). You will lead the development, management, and administration of operating budgets. Business Objectives and Operations: You will drive business objectives in safety, cost, quality, customer service, and production efficiencies; review and approve control plans, budget, efficiency metrics, engineering effectiveness, customer service, and major projects; and implement continuous process and operational improvements. Accountability and Performance: You will lead initiatives to maximize employee contribution in product quality, production efficiency, and cultural alignments. You will drive accountability for performance by maintaining prompt and accurate reporting systems on all aspects of plant operations. Strategic Vision: You will provide the strategic vision and associated roadmap to ensure continued achievement of goals, onward growth, and the success of business operations. You will define goals, develop short-term and long-term plans and budget for your areas of responsibility. 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. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 12 years of progressive experience in operations, engineering, supply chain or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. 5 years of demonstrated experience in team management/development, required. Must have a solid understanding of end-to-end processes in a food (preferably meat) manufacturing environment. Prior responsibilities in areas such as producing, purchasing, engineering and production control with a proven track record of accomplishments and success. Ability to establish credibility and be decisive but be able to recognize and support Company’s preferences and priorities. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Administrative skills, well-developed management skills – principles and people. Experience working with union and non-union environments. Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate personnel and balance staffing strength with profitability and growth. Strong analytical, numerical, and reasoning abilities. Participative management type – advocates team concept. Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature. Effective communication skills, written and verbal. Results oriented with the ability to balance other business considerations. Passion for safety with personal accountability 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. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 pounds. Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visitor meetings. Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements. Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential. &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; 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.

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Sioux Falls , Senior Director, Operations, Engineering , Sioux Falls, South Dakota