
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $160,000.00 - $202,500.00
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Relocation Package
401(k)
Employee assistance program
Professional Development
Job Description
Smithfield Foods is a renowned leader in the consumer packaged goods sector, proudly ranking among the top 25 companies nationally. Focused on sustainably feeding people worldwide, Smithfield is dedicated to producing quality food the right way, honoring its commitment to its employees, animals, communities, and the planet. The company operates with a rich culture grounded in its Core Four values: gratitude, communication, respect, and accountability. With numerous opportunities spanning various locations and departments, Smithfield fosters an environment emphasizing learning, collaboration, and innovation, making it a distinguished place for professionals seeking challenging and rewarding careers where their contributions have a meaningful impact. This comprehensive commitment reflects Smithfield's vision of creating a positive legacy in food production with a global reach.
The role of Director, Engineering at Smithfield Foods is a pivotal leadership position within the company's engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for steering engineering operations across a key functional area, ensuring optimal utilization of engineering resources to achieve world-class performance in Smithfield’s manufacturing plants. This position demands a creative, self-driven professional adept at functioning in a fast-paced environment, capable of turning innovative ideas into practical solutions that drive business growth and operational excellence. The Director will focus on analyzing production data and developing strategic implementation plans aimed at optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing waste, which directly impacts the company's bottom line.
This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Operations, Human Resources, and Safety to align engineering initiatives with broader corporate goals. Management of capital and maintenance budgets, project planning, and adherence to engineering standards and regulations will be crucial aspects of the job. A significant part of the role also involves leadership responsibilities such as building, developing, and managing a high-performing team committed to operational excellence and strategic execution. The Director, Engineering will cultivate a culture of safety, open communication, empowerment, and recognition among the engineering staff.
Smithfield’s iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous depend on this role to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers by maintaining high standards of manufacturing performance. With a compensation range of approximately $160,000 to $202,500 annually, including a relocation package, the position also offers a comprehensive total rewards package beyond base salary to attract and retain top talent. The company is committed to equitable employment practices and accessible working environments, embracing diversity and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
In summary, the Director, Engineering at Smithfield Foods represents a highly influential role with responsibilities that encompass engineering leadership, strategic planning, asset optimization, and employee development. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering leader eager to join a dynamic, growth-driven organization that values innovation, sustainability, and community impact.
The role of Director, Engineering at Smithfield Foods is a pivotal leadership position within the company's engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for steering engineering operations across a key functional area, ensuring optimal utilization of engineering resources to achieve world-class performance in Smithfield’s manufacturing plants. This position demands a creative, self-driven professional adept at functioning in a fast-paced environment, capable of turning innovative ideas into practical solutions that drive business growth and operational excellence. The Director will focus on analyzing production data and developing strategic implementation plans aimed at optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing waste, which directly impacts the company's bottom line.
This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Operations, Human Resources, and Safety to align engineering initiatives with broader corporate goals. Management of capital and maintenance budgets, project planning, and adherence to engineering standards and regulations will be crucial aspects of the job. A significant part of the role also involves leadership responsibilities such as building, developing, and managing a high-performing team committed to operational excellence and strategic execution. The Director, Engineering will cultivate a culture of safety, open communication, empowerment, and recognition among the engineering staff.
Smithfield’s iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous depend on this role to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers by maintaining high standards of manufacturing performance. With a compensation range of approximately $160,000 to $202,500 annually, including a relocation package, the position also offers a comprehensive total rewards package beyond base salary to attract and retain top talent. The company is committed to equitable employment practices and accessible working environments, embracing diversity and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
In summary, the Director, Engineering at Smithfield Foods represents a highly influential role with responsibilities that encompass engineering leadership, strategic planning, asset optimization, and employee development. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering leader eager to join a dynamic, growth-driven organization that values innovation, sustainability, and community impact.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field
- 10+ years of relevant experience in Engineering management or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of experience in leadership including team development and management
- Prior experience in an engineering 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)
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or related field
- 10+ years of relevant experience in Engineering management or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of experience in a leadership role including team development and management
- Prior experience in an engineering role
- 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 a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Respectful, approachable, and team oriented
- Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer preferred
- Knowledge of pork products and the meat industry preferred
Job Duties
- Lead engineering teams in various engineering disciplines across plants to ensure optimal performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, HR, Safety to achieve company goals
- Oversee and manage capital and maintenance budgets and project planning
- Drive engineering performance to meet operational goals efficiently and cost-effectively
- Create and implement short- and long-term operational plans to meet customer and quality standards
- Identify and implement strategies to improve operational performance
- 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
- Analyze asset age and utilization data to optimize replacement timing and increase asset longevity
- 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
- Foster a culture of workplace safety, open communication, empowerment, and recognition
- Drive a positive employee experience through leadership, employee development, and coaching
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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