Demo

Governance Specialist

Smithfield Foods
Suffolk, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/14/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/14/2026

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

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.

The Governance Specialist helps drive continuous improvement across Smithfield’s manufacturing operations by supporting the Process Improvement Engineering team. This role works with key business partners to deliver training, review plant performance, and identify ways to boost efficiency and effectiveness. It also supports special projects and uses data to guide smart decision-making.

Governance Specialists help build the systems and tools that make process improvement stick. They train others, document best practices, and work closely with teams across Operations, Engineering, Food Safety & Quality, and Training to support a culture of excellence and long-term success.

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.

Driving Improvement

  • Identify opportunities across manufacturing sites to improve efficiency and performance.

  • Use data analysis and root cause techniques to solve operational challenges.

  • Lead and support special projects that align with company goals.

Training & Implementation

  • Develop and deliver engaging training and workshops to support process improvement.

  • Guide teams in applying lean tools and practices consistently across locations.

  • Coach managers on executing strategic plans and sustaining improvements.

Governance & Collaboration

  • Conduct audits and assessments to ensure changes are effective and lasting.

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 2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced level knowledge of Excel.

  • Familiar with Microsoft Power Bi, Forms, and Power Automate. Knowledge of SAP is preferred.

  • Strong ability to learn new programs and technical skills as necessary.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

  • Strategic thinking skills, and the ability to effectively translate strategy into operating methodology and results.

  • Demonstrated planning, organization, and execution skills.

  • Strong interpersonal and technical skills.

  • 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 50% of the time.

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.

  • Must be comfortable working in a production setting.

  • The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Relocation Package Available No

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Governance Specialist in Suffolk, VA
$73,640 to $90,741
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