Research & Development Manager

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Smithfield
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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. As a Research & Development Manager, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge research and development initiatives that drive business success. Leveraging both existing and emerging technologies, you will transform ideas into market-ready solutions that enhance competitive differentiation and fuel strategic growth. Collaboration is at the heart of this role—building strong cross-functional relationships ensures seamless planning and execution of initiatives. Your ability to identify and cultivate consumer-valued innovations will shape the future of the company, driving both tactical advancements and long-term business expansion. 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. Sales and Customer Requestions: You will ensure that all new or updated product requests from Sales are processed efficiently, following Sales Management prioritization. You will review customer-requested product developments and internal process improvements while maintaining regular communication with Business, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Quality Assurance to provide updates and gather feedback to meet customer expectations. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Coordination: You will coordinate with Labeling, QA, and Food Safety Departments to ensure accuracy in product information while arranging timely project updates with Business, Sales and Operations. Additionally, you will provide technical expertise to Lab personnel and customers as needed and collaborate with Purchasing to approve new ingredients and supplies. Operational and Process Improvements: You will collaborate with Production to enhance processes for improved yields and reduced labor costs while proactively preventing product or process failures through strategic planning, process controls, and training. Additionally, you will maintain accurate and up-to-date files, including labels, specifications, and SQF requirements, to ensure compliance and operational efficiency Leadership: You will drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching. 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 in Food Science or related field and 5 years’ relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. 2 years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required. Experience with multifaceted management of multiple projects and areas of responsibility. Able to work independently to ensure completion of R&D strategic goals. Must be able to identify consumer insights and translate them into finished products. Proven track record with working effectively as a business leader and cross functional teams. Able to multi-task, think creatively, and work as part of a team. Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English. 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. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Master's Degree, preferred. 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. The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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. &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; 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.

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Rocky Mount , Research & Development Manager, Manufacturing , Smithfield, North Carolina