Production Manager Trainee 2 - North Region

Smithfield Foods - Pleasant Hill, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Pleasant Hill, 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 industry. This role is pivotal in understanding and mastering the various aspects of production management under the guidance of experienced department leaders. The trainee will engage in a comprehensive learning process that encompasses all farm department areas, including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing operations. The position requires the trainee to gain certification in each area, demonstrating competence and skill in pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, and husbandry practices. As part of the training, the incumbent will be responsible for preparing reports on their experiences, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and company policies related to animal welfare and biosecurity. The role also involves being on call for emergency situations, such as alarm calls or personnel shortages, and requires a commitment to progressing through the Manager Training development program. The position emphasizes the importance of teamwork, leadership, and a supportive attitude towards the mission of producing high-quality pork products for human consumption. This position is not just about learning; it is about actively participating in the operations and contributing to the overall success of the farm. The trainee will be expected to work in a dynamic environment, often requiring weekend, evening, and holiday shifts, and must be prepared to shower in and out of farm facilities daily. The role is physically demanding, requiring the ability to lift heavy objects, tolerate various environmental conditions, and perform tasks related to animal husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Learns, demonstrates capability/knowledge and becomes certified in all farm department areas including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing.
• Gains a solid understanding of and ability to implement company systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, husbandry, etc.
• Performs and masters all hourly jobs under supervision and becomes certified in each job after showing competence and skill/understanding in each.
• Develops and prepares required reports on experiences encountered and addresses/shares opportunities for improvement.
• Responsible for complying with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield LLC subscribes.
• Responsible for completion of Leadership Certification.
• Understands and complies with company IPS, biosecurity, animal welfare, and EMS policies and procedures in the performance of job duties.
• Reports all environmental, animal care, and biosecurity issues immediately to their supervisor.
• Performs the responsibilities as the acting Head of Department (HOD) as needed by management.
• Be on call to work in emergency situations such as alarm calls, inclement weather, power outages, personnel shortages, and environmental emergencies.
• Responsible for progression in the Manager Training development program and reports any issues that interfere with completion of the 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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be able to work an average of 48 hours a 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.
• Ability and willingness to relocate to complete training and assume first managerial assignment.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft software.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Must be supportive of the mission of raising swine for human consumption of high-quality pork products.
• Must be able to tolerate and willing to learn and perform tasks such as euthanasia, castration, vaccinations, piglet processing, ear tagging for identification, taking blood samples, and other procedures normal to animal husbandry.
• Must be able to operate a high-pressure washing system.