Director, Production Engineering

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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.

Are you a creative, self-driven engineering professional who thrives in fast-paced environments? Do you excel at turning bold ideas into reality and collaborating with key stakeholders to drive business growth? If so, Smithfield Foods, one of the top 25 consumer packaged goods companies in the nation, is looking for someone like you to join our Engineering team!

In this pivotal role, you’ll analyze data and craft strategic implementation plans to optimize production processes, identifying ways to boost efficiency and eliminate waste—directly impacting our bottom line. Your contributions will be instrumental in the manufacturing of Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and other iconic brands, helping us meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers and consumers.

As Director, Engineering, you will lead and direct engineering operations across a key functional area, ensuring the efficient use of engineering resources to achieve world-class performance in our plants. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives, resolve complex challenges, and ensure top-tier execution in everything from maintenance to capital budget management.

Your leadership will be critical in building, developing, and managing a high-performing team capable of delivering operational excellence and executing strategies that elevate the business to new heights. If you’re ready to shape the future of manufacturing and be part of an innovative, growth-driven company, Smithfield Foods is the place for you!

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.

• Engineering Leadership: You'll lead engineering teams in various Engineering disciplines across plants to ensure optimal performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, HR, Safety, etc.) to achieve company goals. Oversee and manage Capital and Maintenance budgets and project planning. You'll also drive engineering performance to meet operational goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Strategic Plan Development and Support: You'll create and implement short- and long-term operational plans to meet customer and quality standards. Identify and implement strategies to improve operational performance with internal and external resources. Provide clear direction on processes, schedules, and priorities for engineering teams. Develop and enforce best practices for engineering development. Ensure facilities comply with internal and external engineering standards and regulations.
• Asset Utilization and Optimization: You’ll analyze asset age and utilization data and structure models on optimal replacement timing as well as methods to increase asset longevity.
• Employee Development: Lead and motivate engineering teams to achieve business objectives and deliver solutions on time and on budget. Partner with HR to develop leadership programs, manage performance, and build a diverse, high-performing workforce. You'll make sure to foster a culture of workplace safety, open communication, empowerment, and recognition.
• People Management: Drives 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 Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 5+ years of experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Prior experience in an engineer role required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer, preferred
• Knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, 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.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods of time when working in the office
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Able to travel as needed.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!