Scientist, Reproduction Reproductive Systems Senior Manager
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Provide enterprise-level scientific and operational leadership for the evaluation, deployment, and continuous optimization of advanced reproductive, genetic, and production technologies across company pig production systems. This role serves as a strategic thought leader, technical authority, and people leader, driving measurable improvements in reproductive efficiency. You will lead teams and translate research, field trials, and emerging technologies into scalable, compliant, and economically impactful production systems., 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.
- Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for reproductive systems, breeding programs, semen quality, and genetic efficiency initiatives across assigned operations.
- Serve as subject matter expert for reproductive technologies, boar stud operations, and related data systems.
- Lead enterprise-level evaluation, validation, and implementation of new reproductive technologies, software platforms, and automation solutions.
- Translate research findings and field trial data into standardized, scalable production protocols that drive continuous improvement.
- Champion innovation, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance productivity, animal health, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
- Direct data analytics initiatives using production metrics to assess performance, identify gaps, and guide decision-making.
- Take an active leadership role in the Smithfield Injury Prevention System (SIPS), promoting a proactive safety culture.
- Audit, assess, and continuously improve compliance practices, ensuring consistency across sites., * Provide leadership oversight for multiple production sites, ensuring alignment with corporate production, financial, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
- Directly lead, coach, and mentor Farm Managers and Boar Stud Managers across multiple company locations.
- Guide semen quality evaluation programs and oversight of laboratory procedures and personnel.
Requirements
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 Animal Science with a focus in reproduction or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- Candidates with a Master's degree in animal science with a focus in reproduction or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 6+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
- Candidates with a Ph.D. in animal science with a focus in reproduction or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
- 2+ years demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
- Strong working knowledge of reproductive technologies and commercialization of new reproductive technologies.
- Proven expertise in breeding strategies, semen collection/processing, semen quality assessment, and performance optimization.
- Experience using statistical analysis and production data to drive decision making and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to translate scientific data into operationally practical SOPs.
- Demonstrated ability to align scientific initiatives with business strategies.
- Proven ability to lead multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.
- Must have valid State driver's license with acceptable driving record per company policy., * Must be able to frequently climb over, under, and around penning.
- Must be able to walk and stand on concrete for 9 to 12 hours per day, walking down narrow alleys and in and out of narrow penning and inside pens with animals.
- Must be able to walk an average of 2 - 4 miles per day, occasionally up to 5 or 6.
- Must be able to lift up to 50lbs on a limited basis.
- This position requires approximately 50% travel.
- Must be able to work in a stressful environment.
- Must be able to work effectively with others in a team environment
- Must be able to occasionally work in situations two feet above the floor in a leaned-over or squatted position.
- Must be able to occasionally operate a high pressure washing system.
- Must be able to occasionally work with and around a wide range of antibiotics (i.e. penicillin).
- Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.