Trainer, Manufacturing Production

Overview

As an On‑the‑Job Trainer at Smithfield, you will be the cornerstone of our team’s success by setting new employees up to thrive from day one. Your primary focus will be on the production floor, coaching and training hourly team members, and serving as a resource for employees transitioning into new roles through the job‑bid process.

• Train new‑hire and job‑bid employees on job skills, safety practices, and techniques such as knife handling and sharpening.
• Observe employees on the production floor and provide real‑time coaching, retraining when necessary.
• Document training attendance, daily observations, and employee progress with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare progress reports, support job‑bid qualification reviews, and identify trends in tool use, job tasks, or employee performance.
• Collaborate with plant supervisors to communicate training needs and performance concerns.
• Participate in M‑IQ tier meetings and use Leader Standard Work (LSW) to plan and prioritize tasks.
• Lead plant tours and train employees on proper PPE use during onboarding.
• Maintain flexibility by rotating shifts to support production needs and traveling to other facilities for start‑up projects.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned to ensure training and operations run smoothly.

• High school diploma or GED and 2+ years of experience in manufacturing operations; or 6 years of Smithfield manufacturing industry experience in lieu of a high school diploma.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to guide and support others clearly and confidently.
• Bilingual ability is a plus for connecting with a diverse workforce.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to foster respect and collaboration in a fast‑paced environment.
• Problem‑solving and strategic thinking abilities, capable of coaching others through challenges and translating strategy into actionable results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel skills) and familiarity with SAP preferred.
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently, manage time, plan effectively, and execute tasks with minimal oversight.

• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently with a high level of personal accountability.
• Strong organizational, analytical reasoning, and adaptability skills to prioritize tasks amid shifting priorities.

The role involves wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals. Employees may need to lift or move up to 60 pounds, stand, walk, reach, kneel, crouch, or climb. Vision requires both close and distant focus. The work environment is typically moderate in noise, but can be loud near production areas.

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 veteran status, status as a disabled individual, or any other protected characteristic as directed by law. If you are a person with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call 757‑357‑1595.