Director, Transportation Operations

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.

As the Director, Transportation Operations, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for Smithfield's Transportation Department, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and reliable product movement across the supply chain. You will drive operational excellence by optimizing transportation performance, fostering carrier relationships, and leading initiatives that ensure on-time delivery and cost control. You will also attract, develop, and retain top talent while cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and service excellence that supports Smithfield's growth and customer satisfaction 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.

• Strategic Leadership: Implement strategic and tactical measures to improve cost efficiency, service performance, and overall transportation effectiveness across the organization.

• Operational Management: Manage transportation movements to meet required service levels, cost objectives, and customer expectations while ensuring optimal network utilization.

• Cost Optimization: Identify and lead cost savings projects focused on reducing transportation expenses and total supply chain costs through process improvement and vendor optimization.

• Technology & Innovation: Develop and educate the Transportation Department on emerging technologies and tools to create a competitive advantage in transportation performance and customer service.

• Performance Metrics: Develop, implement, and track key delivery metrics to measure performance, communicate value, and drive accountability within the Transportation Department.

• Continuous Improvement: Provide thought leadership focused on continuous improvement, leveraging root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation to enhance performance.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and other departments to drive continuous improvement initiatives and achieve shared business objectives.

• Financial Management: Prepare and manage transportation budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations, proper resource allocation, and alignment with financial goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize transportation management systems (TMS) and data analytics to monitor performance, identify trends, and implement improvement strategies.

• Executive Reporting: Present results, key initiatives, and strategic recommendations to Smithfield leadership and key stakeholders to support business decision-making.

• 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 10+ years of relevant experience in Transportation, Logistics, or Customer Service; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Leadership: 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development required.

• Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex, unstructured challenges.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly express ideas and influence across all levels of the organization.

• Technology Proficiency: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) with the ability to leverage tools for data-driven decision making.

• Negotiation & Collaboration: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives.

• Organizational Agility: High level of planning, adaptability, and teamwork to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Work Ethic & Professionalism: Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented with a commitment to fostering strong working relationships and a positive, performance-driven culture.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Experience with temperature controlled and/or the perishable foods industry.

• Experience with SAP or other TMS systems.

• Ability to create value stream maps with a focus on improvement opportunities.

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.