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.

Director of Swine Technical Services

The Hord family is in its 5th generation of family farming, with over 100 years of farming heritage. Headquartered in North Central Ohio, Hord Farms is a diversified pig, cow, and grain farm, striving to raise our animals and crops with care and utilize modern practices to be efficient and sustainable.

• 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