Director of Swine Technical Services

Director of Swine Technical Services

At Hord Farms, our success relies on our people and processes. We're currently seeking a Director of Swine Technical Services to add to our team. This senior leader position reports to the VP of Live Operations and supports a large-scale integrated operation including feed mills, sow farms, nurseries and finishers, and several swine research facilities.

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight across technical disciplines including nutrition, research and development, training and onboarding, biosecurity, animal welfare, animal care, and technical education
• Align technical priorities with live production goals in partnership with the VP of Live Operations and production leaders
• Serve as a collaborative technical leader focused on coordination, alignment, and execution rather than restructuring or rebuilding teams

• Provide leadership and support to technical functional leaders
• Strengthening onboarding, education, and accountability across swine operations
• Support people’s development while maintaining a low-ego, team-oriented culture

• Support and enhance herd health, welfare, and biosecurity programs in collaboration with veterinary partners
• Ensure animal care and welfare standards practices are practical, consistent, and clearly communicated
• Help drive continuous improvement in animal care outcomes, compliance, and field execution

• Lead coordination of applied research and field trials including planning, execution, data review, and implementation of results
• Evaluate new technologies, products, and management practices for fit within the Hord Farms system
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations and standard practices that improve performance and consistency

• Maintain regular presence across farms, barns, and production sites
• Stay connected to system performance, people, and day-to-day execution
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for leadership, field teams, and growers

• Strong technical background in commercial swine production
• Demonstrated working knowledge of sow farms, nurseries, finishing, and research environments
• Demonstrated experience managing herd health risk and supporting disease prevention in commercial swine production systems, including modern swine diseases and biosecurity principles
• Experience leading or supporting research and development initiatives in pork production
• Proven ability to lead and influence technical and non-technical professionals across multiple disciplines
• Strong communicator with the ability to educate, coach, and hold teams accountable in a constructive manner
• Practical, field-focused mindset with the ability to balance technical depth and real-world constraints
• Veterinary background welcome but veterinary license not required
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred

• This role is based at Hord Farms Ohio headquarters with regular presence across farms and production sites
• Not a remote position; company vehicle provided.
• Most travel is local, as the majority of production sites are a two-hour driving distance from headquarters, with occasional travel to our Pennsylvania locations, as well as our Hord Farms West team in Minnesota.
• Occasional overnight travel for out-of-state locations and optional industry events
• Overnight travel expected to remain limited, less than 10% of the time

• Competitive wages based on level of experience
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance (starting at less than $35/pay)
• 401(k) with company match