Standard Meat Company (SMC), a pioneering leader in the custom protein processing and packaging industry, has announced the appointment of Jill Hunter to the newly created position of Senior Director of Sales Operations. This significant addition to SMC’s leadership team is a strategic move to further enhance the company’s operational excellence and prepare for its next phase of growth.
Founded in 1935, Standard Meat Company is a family-owned business headquartered at the historic Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas. With production facilities in Dallas, Fort Worth, Saginaw, and Ponder, SMC has long been a trusted global supplier for both the foodservice and retail industries. Renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, the company continues to set high standards in custom protein solutions.
A Visionary Role for Growth
Jill Hunter’s appointment marks an important step forward for SMC. In her role, she will oversee sales operations and project management processes, ensuring alignment across critical departments such as sales, research and development, finance, and operations. This integrated approach is aimed at driving efficiency, fostering innovation, and positioning SMC for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex market.
“The addition of Jill Hunter to our leadership team — and to this crucial new role — will be key to the next phase of significant growth at Standard Meat,” said Ben Rosenthal, SMC’s Co-President and CEO. “As our business expands and our product mix becomes more complex, we need robust processes and structures in place to set ourselves up for ongoing success.”
Hunter’s Strategic Focus
Hunter has outlined three key areas of focus in her new role. First, she plans to establish a comprehensive demand planning framework to better capture customer demand signals. This framework will enhance internal communication, enabling the company to develop innovative planning and processes that deliver exceptional service.
Second, she will concentrate on streamlining project management processes, particularly for new product development. By implementing structured systems that span from project pre-vetting to launch, Hunter aims to prioritize impactful developments, ensuring resources are allocated to initiatives that deliver the greatest value to customers.
Her third priority involves assuming commercial responsibility for the Ponder facility. In this capacity, Hunter will oversee the sales team and product line management, aligning product strategies, lifecycle management, and financial performance with the company’s broader goals. Success in Ponder will serve as a blueprint for implementing similar structures across other SMC facilities.
Bringing Industry Expertise
Hunter joins SMC with a wealth of industry experience and a proven track record in leadership. Before joining SMC, she served as Director of Industrial and Strategic Accounts at High Liner Foods, where she provided strategic leadership and drove growth in a rapidly expanding segment. Her career also includes notable achievements during her tenure at Cargill, where she held various roles in account management and strategic planning within the Cargill Foodservice North America Business Unit, based in Dallas, Texas.
Jill’s proven track record of driving operational excellence and her deep understanding of complex sales systems will be pivotal as we embark on this next chapter of growth, said Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld, Co-President of SMC. At Standard Meat, we pride ourselves on customer service, innovation, integrity, and teamwork. We know Jill’s leadership will reflect and amplify all those values.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Hunter expressed her excitement about joining Standard Meat Company, citing its collaborative culture and dedication to excellence.
“I’m looking forward to working with the SMC team to create and implement end-to-end processes and structures that directly support our success,” said Hunter. “But I’m also personally excited to be here. The culture of collaboration and commitment to excellence at Standard Meat is truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to work with a team that shares those values.”
Educational Background
Hunter’s impressive academic credentials further bolster her qualifications for the role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
A Bright Future for SMC
Hunter’s appointment underscores SMC’s commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence in customer service. As the company continues to expand its footprint and product offerings, Hunter’s expertise and leadership are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this iconic Texas-based company.
