Senior Director, Distribution

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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 Senior Director of Distribution, you will lead all aspects of distribution operations, ensuring that processes are designed and implemented effectively to maximize customer satisfaction in product receipt. You will drive strategic initiatives that enhance product management, cost efficiency, and problem resolution, elevating operational excellence across the organization.

You will bring a strong foundation in operations management, financial strategy, P&L ownership, and project execution, using your expertise to define and guide the company's strategic direction. Additionally, you will cultivate talent development, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and lean continuous improvement that empowers teams and strengthens business performance.

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 Planning and Execution : You will define and lead the strategic direction for distribution operations, overseeing the analytical team to drive data-driven decision-making that enhances efficiency and performance. You will develop and execute high-level strategic initiatives, advising senior management on long-term distribution planning and optimization.

Operational Leadership and Optimization : You will lead and oversee the seamless operation of distribution centers, cold storage facilities, and plant warehouses, ensuring they align with cost, service, and quality objectives. You will strategically maximize storage utilization across leased and owned locations, optimizing space allocation for peak efficiency. Additionally, you will establish and refine global supply chain policies and procedures, driving cost reductions, operational agility, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

P&L Ownership : You will own the full P&L for Smithfield's DC's and outside cold storage network. You will partner with finance to design initiatives to meet or exceed AOP targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement : You will drive cross-functional collaboration, partnering with product management and scheduling teams to optimize product placement and implement inventory control measures that reduce waste and inefficiencies. You will work closely with transportation, customer service, and distribution teams, refining logistics strategies to prevent stock outages and enhance delivery efficiency. Additionally, you will foster strategic partnerships both internally and externally, ensuring seamless integration across departments while strengthening stakeholder relationships.

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.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 12+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

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

Minimum of 5+ years' experience with DC network and warehouse optimization.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrated ability to influence the organization at the most senior levels.

Demonstrated financial acumen, strategic thinking, project leadership, and talent development.

The ability to work through complex, unstructured problems.

Capable of communicating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and verbal formats.

High level of organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

Proven success leading complex commercial negotiations.

Extensive knowledge of warehouse and facility management.

Background in SAP and WMS computer systems.

Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Must be able to travel up to 40% of the time.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT :

Master's Degree preferred.

Experience leading continuous improvement projects in manufacturing, maintenance, supply chain, distribution or engineering leadership role, preferred.

Lean training is preferred.

Experience with procurement in the warehousing and outside cold storage spaces is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Able to travel as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Relocation Package Available

Yes

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.