Production Manager Trainee 2 - North Region

Smithfield Foods - Aulander, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Aulander, 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 in ensuring that trainees acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become certified in all aspects of the company's systems and industry standards. Under the supervision of a department leader, the trainee will engage in a comprehensive learning and development process that encompasses various responsibilities across the farm departments, including Breeding/Farrowing and Nursery/Finishing operations. As part of the training, the incumbent will gain a solid understanding of essential company systems such as pig production processes, animal flow, farm health, genetics, and husbandry practices. The role requires mastering all hourly jobs under supervision, with certification achieved through demonstrated competence and skill in each area. Trainees will also be responsible for developing and 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 position demands a proactive approach, as the trainee will be on call to respond to emergency situations, including alarm calls, inclement weather, and personnel shortages. Progression in the Manager Training development program is crucial, and any issues that may hinder this progression must be reported to Human Resources. Overall, this role is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to build a meaningful career in the food industry while contributing to the mission of producing high-quality pork products.

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 identifies 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.
• Reports all environmental, animal care, and biosecurity issues to the supervisor.
• 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, or equivalent supervisory experience and/or previous swine experience.
• Ability to work an average of 48 hours per week, with variability in hours.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
• Must shower in and out of farm facilities daily.
• Ability to lead others effectively.
• Willingness to relocate for training and first managerial assignment.
• Proficient in Microsoft software and computer literate.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented with strong relationship-building skills.
• 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.