Jobs › Smithfield Foods

Superintendent

Smithfield Foods · Monmouth, IL · $85,000–$120,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Smithfield Foods

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found an opportunity to raise production yields. What did you do and what was the result?

What they are checking: Whether they can find and capture yield gains with real numbers, which is a key part of this job.

Your workforce ranges from entry-level laborers to highly skilled employees. How do you manage across that range?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead both new and skilled workers with fair expectations and development paths.

Tell me about a time you developed a supervisor who was struggling into a strong leader.

What they are checking: Whether they build their leadership bench instead of just replacing people who struggle.

How do you stay connected to what's really happening on second and third shift?

What they are checking: Whether they show up on off-shifts rather than leading only from day-shift reports.

What would you do

You'll oversee several production supervisors across multiple shifts. How do you make sure every shift runs to the same standard?

What they are checking: Whether they can create consistency across shifts rather than having each supervisor run their own way.

A supervisor comes to you unsure how to apply a plant policy to a tough employee situation. How do you guide them?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach supervisors to apply policy fairly and consistently instead of just making the decision for them.

One of your supervisors keeps hitting production targets, but his team has the highest turnover and injury rate. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they look beyond output and hold leaders accountable for safety and how they treat people.

How do you work with USDA inspection staff on site when you disagree with one of their calls?

What they are checking: Whether they respect regulatory authority and resolve disagreements professionally without risking the plant's standing.

How do you balance pressure to hit daily targets against the need to protect food safety?

What they are checking: Whether they would stop production for a real food safety issue even when targets are at stake.

About the work

How do you plan for future capacity when sales wants more volume than your current setup can handle?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead about labor, equipment and scheduling before the plant gets squeezed.

What production metrics do you look at first each morning, and why those?

What they are checking: Whether they focus on the measures that actually drive safety, quality, yield and cost.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Smithfield Foods from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Smithfield Foods.

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. 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! THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING In this role, you will be the driving force behind a dynamic, multi-shift production environment , overseeing and coordinating a team of Production Supervisors to meet daily targets and exceed expectations. With operations spanning a diverse workforce—from non-skilled to highly skilled employees—you’ll ensure every team member is aligned to produce high-quality products on schedule. Your leadership will be crucial in keeping the plant operating smoothly, while providing Production Supervisors with expert guidance on interpreting and implementing plant and company policies. You will identify opportunities to boost production yields, plan for future capacity, and maintain operational flexibility to adapt quickly to changes. This role isn’t just about managing today’s production—it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s needs, maximizing efficiency, and setting the stage for sustained growth. If you’re ready to make an impact by empowering teams, driving productivity, and fostering a resilient production environment, this position offers the perfect opportunity! WHAT YOU’LL DO • Drive Operational Efficiency & Profitability: You will monitor daily and weekly yields, efficiencies, and profitability while taking corrective action as needed. You will also manage staffing and production schedules so that customer needs are met, and resources are optimized. • Champion Safety & Ergonomics : You will develop and implement safety and ergonomic programs by training employees on safe work practices. You will identify hazards, address ergonomic concerns, and aim to achieve an injury-free workplace. • Ensure Quality & Compliance : You will uphold sanitation, product quality, and customer service standards to ensure compliance with USDA and company regulations. Through regular line meetings, you will reinforce high standards alongside compliance expectations. • Lead Training & Continuous Improvement : You will train supervisors and employees on company policies and procedures as you conduct line meetings. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, you will enhance both team performance and plant efficiency. • Leadership & Guidance: You will provide strong leadership and guidance to employees on the production floor, ensuring that teams stay motivated, aligned, and focused on achieving operational goals. You will lead by example, offering support and direction to foster a collaborative and productive environment. WHAT WE’RE SEEKING • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 3+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. • Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project, required. • Experience using a variety of computer applications, including time-keeping systems, SAP, and Microsoft Office programs, to streamline processes and enhance productivity across the team. • Open to travel up to 10% of the time. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT • In-Depth Manufacturing Expertise: Bring a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, from optimizing yields and plant efficiencies to mastering operations procedures, ensuring smooth and productive plant operations. • Strong Knowledge of Industry Standards: Well-versed in OSHA standards, USDA guidelines, and HACCP regulations, ensuring compliance and maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. • Bilingual Advantage: Bilingual skills are a valuable asset, allowing you to communicate effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and enhance team collaboration. • Dynamic Team Player: Thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, working seamlessly with others while fostering a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented atmosphere. Committed to building strong, positive relationships that drive team success. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT • Office and plant 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 but can be loud when in the production area. • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. 
The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 annually.

 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.

Apply at Smithfield Foods