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Senior Manager, Fleet Operations at Smithfield Foods in Suffolk, VA
Job Description
Senior Manager, Fleet Operations
Location: Suffolk, VA · Onsite
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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
As the Senior Manager of Fleet Operations, you will lead the strategic direction, performance, and continuous improvement of our private fleet operations across multiple regions. You will be responsible for developing and executing fleet strategies that drive efficiency, safety, cost optimization, and compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations. This role oversees vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fuel management, telematics, and vendor relationships to ensure the company’s fleet supports business needs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. The Senior Manager partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Safety leadership to implement innovative solutions that enhance fleet performance, reduce environmental impact, and support Smithfield’s operational excellence and sustainability goals.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
•Fleet Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive fleet management strategy focused on safety, efficiency, compliance, and cost optimization across all business units.
•Operational Excellence: Oversee daily fleet operations, including vehicle procurement, utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management, ensuring maximum uptime and performance.
•Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, DOT requirements, and company safety standards through proactive monitoring and training initiatives.•Budgeting & Cost Management: Develop and manage fleet budgets, control expenses, and identify opportunities for cost reduction through improved utilization, fuel efficiency, and vendor negotiations.
•Vendor & Partner Relations: Partner internally and assist with contract negotiations and manage relationships with external partners, including leasing companies, maintenance providers, fuel vendors, and technology suppliers.
•Technology & Telematics: Drive the implementation and optimization of fleet management systems and telematics tools to enhance visibility, safety, and performance tracking.
•Sustainability & Innovation: Identify and implement sustainable fleet initiatives such as alternative fuels, electrification, and emissions reduction strategies in alignment with Smithfield’s environmental goals.
•Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and EHS teams to align fleet operations with business objectives and improve service delivery across the organization.
•Performance Reporting & Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate fleet performance, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making.
•Travel: Travel up to 25% required to visit fleet operations, vendors, and Smithfield locations across the U.S. to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence.
•Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
•Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Proven success in leading fleet or dedicated operations, including driver recruitment, safety programs, and cost optimization.
•Leadership: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
•Adaptability & Execution: Organized, results-driven, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities and complex operational challenges. Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.•Technical Expertise: Knowledge of fleet operations, vehicle maintenance programs, DOT/FMCSA regulations, safety compliance, and logistics management systems.
•Team Development: Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive accountability, and build a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
•Financial & Analytical Skills: Demonstrated experience managing budgets, analyzing cost structures, and using data to optimize fleet utilization and reduce total cost of ownership.
•Technology Proficiency: Experience implementing and leveraging telematics, fleet management software, and analytics tools to enhance operational transparency and performance.
•Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage complex vendor relationships and ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery.
•Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively across departments and leadership levels.
•Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Forward-thinking leader who can identify emerging trends and implement innovative solutions that align with business and environmental goals.
•Adaptability & Execution: Organized, results-driven, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities and complex operational challenges.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
•Experience with the latest Fleet Management systems including dispatch tools, telematics, other relevant technologies.
•Ability to motivate transportation team with a focus on maintaining a high level of morale.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.


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.