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Operations Manager - $10K Sign-On Bonus!

Smithfield Foods · Arnold, PA

Level
Manager
Team
Production
Travel
10%
Degree
Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Food & beverage
Posted
Today

The role in 30 seconds

A management production role at Smithfield Foods (food & beverage) in Arnold, PA. In-Depth Manufacturing Expertise: Bring a solid understanding of lean manufacturing processes, from optimizing yields and plant efficiencies to mastering operations procedures, ensuring smooth and productive plant operations.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names
Lean, Automation, Plant layout, SAP, EHS / safety
Day to day
about 10% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Production Engineer roles in Pennsylvania: typical posted base $145k–$200k.

Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 30 production engineer openings in Pennsylvania, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Pennsylvania plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 29 other live production postings in Pennsylvania.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $127k–$165k, from 5 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (5+ vs 7+)

Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Lean 50%
  • Team leadership 43%
  • ✓ EHS / safety 30%
  • ✓ Automation 20%
  • Six Sigma 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Plant layout, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Smithfield Foods

    We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Bill → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Smithfield Foods in Arnold

2 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in production roles at Smithfield Foods.

Full description from Smithfield FoodsAs posted on their careers site.Show

responsibilities

to maintain seamless operations and meet all required goals.

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 5+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • ✓2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
  • ✓Experience using a variety of computer applications, including time-keeping systems, SAP, and Microsoft Office programs, to streamline processes and enhance productivity across the team.
  • ✓Ability to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands and open to travel up to 10% of the time.
Show full description ↓

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

$10,000 Sign-On Bonus Available!

The value you’ll bring

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Are you ready to take the lead and make a lasting impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? As an Operations Manager at Smithfield, you will be at the heart of our operations, driving production excellence while ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. From overseeing production and tracking performance metrics to making strategic adjustments, you’ll play a key role in delivering the trusted quality that defines brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous.

This role is about more than managing processes—it’s about creating impact. You will lead with purpose, championing workplace safety and USDA health standards while managing budgets, optimizing resources, and controlling costs to drive profitability. At the same time, you’ll focus on empowering and inspiring your team, fostering a collaborative environment where employees are motivated to grow and succeed.

As the driving force behind your plant or assigned area, you will have the opportunity to innovate, solve challenges, and contribute to our legacy of excellence. If you’re looking for an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape the future of food production, this is your chance to join a company where your leadership and expertise will truly make a difference.

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.

  • •Leadership and Team Management: You will oversee all shift production operations, directing salaried and hourly production group leaders to ensure smooth and efficient processes, ensuring that teams stay motivated, aligned, and focused on achieving operational goals. You will foster strong employee relations, making Smithfield an employer of choice by providing training, counseling, and recognition programs that support employee development and morale. Guiding your team leaders, you’ll ensure best practices in safety, food safety, quality, process control, and personnel management.
  • •Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: You will partner internally for layout design improvements, oversee automation improvement projects, and implement cost-saving initiatives. By tracking labor, material, and indirect costs, you’ll work to stay within budget while meeting or exceeding goals for yields and operational efficiencies. Additionally, you will continuously look for ways to improve processes and maintain a competitive edge.
  • •Safety and Ergonomics: You will take the lead in implementing and maintaining safety and ergonomic programs to create an injury-free workplace. You’ll ensure employees are trained in safety protocols, observe and enforce safety rules and practices, identify and address hazards, and set measurable goals to reduce injuries and associated costs.
  • •Quality and Compliance: You will maintain high product quality and safety standards, ensuring all processes align with HACCP and SSOP protocols. It will be your responsibility to address product failures, foreign material issues, and ensure all staff are well-versed in CCPs and the HACCP plan to meet compliance requirements.
  • •Contingency and Accountability: You will ensure that all operating procedures are followed and updated when necessary for accuracy and efficiency. In the absence of key personnel, you will step in or delegate

What we’re seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The

Other skills that make you stand out

  • •In-Depth Manufacturing Expertise: Bring a solid understanding of lean manufacturing processes, from optimizing yields and plant efficiencies to mastering operations procedures, ensuring smooth and productive plant operations.
  • •Strong Knowledge of Industry Standards: Well-versed in OSHA standards, USDA guidelines, and HACCP regulations, ensuring compliance and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.
  • •Bilingual Advantage: Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicul

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