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Job Description
Job Id:
179
# of Openings:
1
At Hord Farms, our success relies on our people and processes. We're currently seeking a Director of Swine Technical Services to add to our team. This senior leader position reports to the VP of Live Operations and supports a large-scale integrated operation including feed mills, sow farms, nurseries and finishers, and several swine research facilities.
Position Title : Director of Swine Technical Services
Who We Are:
The Hord family is in its 5th generation of family farming, with over 100 years of farming heritage. Headquartered in North Central Ohio, Hord Farms is a diversified pig, cow, and grain farm, striving to raise our animals and crops with care and utilize modern practices to be efficient and sustainable.
A day in the life:
Technical Leadership and Alignment
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight across technical disciplines including nutrition, research and development, training and onboarding, biosecurity, animal welfare, animal care, and technical education
- Align technical priorities with live production goals in partnership with the VP of Live Operations and production leaders
- Serve as a collaborative technical leader focused on coordination, alignment, and execution rather than restructuring or rebuilding teams
Team Leadership and Development
- Provide leadership and support to technical functional leaders
- Strengthening onboarding, education, and accountability across swine operations
- Support people’s development while maintaining a low-ego, team-oriented culture
Health, Welfare, and Biosecurity
- Support and enhance herd health, welfare, and biosecurity programs in collaboration with veterinary partners
- Ensure animal care and welfare standards practices are practical, consistent, and clearly communicated
- Help drive continuous improvement in animal care outcomes, compliance, and field execution
Research and Continuous Improvement
- Lead coordination of applied research and field trials including planning, execution, data review, and implementation of results
- Evaluate new technologies, products, and management practices for fit within the Hord Farms system
- Translate research findings into clear recommendations and standard practices that improve performance and consistency
Field Engagement and Communication
- Maintain regular presence across farms, barns, and production sites
- Stay connected to system performance, people, and day-to-day execution
- Serve as a trusted technical resource for leadership, field teams, and growers
Qualifications and Experience
- Strong technical background in commercial swine production
- Demonstrated working knowledge of sow farms, nurseries, finishing, and research environments
- Demonstrated experience managing herd health risk and supporting disease prevention in commercial swine production systems, including modern swine diseases and biosecurity principles
- Experience leading or supporting research and development initiatives in pork production
- Proven ability to lead and influence technical and non-technical professionals across multiple disciplines
- Strong communicator with the ability to educate, coach, and hold teams accountable in a constructive manner
- Practical, field-focused mindset with the ability to balance technical depth and real-world constraints
- Veterinary background welcome but veterinary license not required
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred
Working Conditions
- This role is based at Hord Farms Ohio headquarters with regular presence across farms and production sites
- Not a remote position; company vehicle provided.
- Most travel is local, as the majority of production sites are a two-hour driving distance from headquarters, with occasional travel to our Pennsylvania locations, as well as our Hord Farms West team in Minnesota.
- Occasional overnight travel for out-of-state locations and optional industry events
- Overnight travel expected to remain limited, less than 10% of the time
Your Rewards:
- Competitive wages based on level of experience
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance (starting at less than $35/pay)
- 401(k) with company match
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