Production Manager Trainee 2 - North Region

Smithfield Foods - Scotland Neck, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Scotland Neck, NC

10,001+ employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Production Manager Trainee 2 position at Smithfield Foods is designed for individuals eager to learn and grow within the pork production industry. This role is pivotal as it involves comprehensive training under the supervision of department leaders, focusing on mastering all aspects of company systems and pork industry standards. The trainee will engage in a structured learning process, gaining hands-on experience in various farm department areas, including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing. The goal is to become certified in all relevant job functions, demonstrating capability and knowledge in pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, and husbandry practices. As part of the training, the incumbent will be responsible for performing and mastering all hourly jobs, ensuring they achieve certification after demonstrating competence. This role also requires the preparation of reports detailing experiences and identifying opportunities for improvement. Compliance with environmental laws and company policies regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, and emergency management systems is crucial. The trainee will also be expected to respond to emergency situations, such as alarm calls and personnel shortages, and will be on call as needed. The position emphasizes the importance of leadership development, with the trainee expected to progress through the Manager Training development program. Any challenges encountered during this process should be reported to Human Resources to ensure timely resolution. Overall, this role is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals looking to build a meaningful career in the food production industry, particularly in animal husbandry and management.

Responsibilities

• Learns and demonstrates capability/knowledge in all farm department areas including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing.
• Gains understanding of and implements company systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, and husbandry.
• Performs and masters all hourly jobs under supervision, becoming certified in each job after demonstrating competence.
• Develops and prepares required reports on experiences and opportunities for improvement.
• Complies with all environmental laws and procedures.
• Completes Leadership Certification as required.
• Understands and complies with company IPS, biosecurity, animal welfare, and EMS policies and procedures.
• Reports all environmental, animal care, and biosecurity issues to the supervisor immediately.
• Acts as the Head of Department (HOD) as needed by management.
• On call to work in emergency situations such as alarm calls, inclement weather, and personnel shortages.
• Responsible for progression in the Manager Training development program.

Requirements

• 4-year college degree in Animal Science or related Agricultural field of study, or equivalent supervisory experience and/or previous swine experience.
• Ability to work an average of 48 hours per week, which can vary frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• Must shower in and out of farm facilities daily.
• Ability to lead others and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to relocate to complete training and assume first managerial assignment.
• Proficient in Microsoft software and computer literate.
• Ability to build strong working relationships and maintain a positive work environment.
• Supportive of the mission of raising swine for high-quality pork products.
• Willingness to learn and perform animal husbandry tasks such as euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, and blood sampling.
• Ability to operate a high-pressure washing system.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in animal husbandry or related fields.
• Previous leadership experience in a farm or agricultural setting.