If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special
- a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values
- gratitude, communication, respect and accountability
- and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.
Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING
Are you a driven and passionate leader with a knack for guiding teams toward success? Do you want to make a meaningful impact by producing quality food that nourishes families across America? If so, we want you to join Smithfield Foods, one of the top 25 consumer packaged goods companies in the country! As our Senior Director of Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in managing and executing multiple capital projects across our manufacturing locations. You'll leverage your expertise in capital planning to oversee vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers, ensuring we deliver the highest value and stay ahead of the competition. As a key member of the Smithfield Engineering Leadership Team, you will help shape and communicate the strategic vision for our engineering and technical operations. You'll lead, develop, and inspire an Engineering leadership team that drives operational success and excellence, all while making a direct impact on our mission to feed families responsibly and sustainably. If you're ready to lead with purpose and be a part of something big, this is your opportunity to shine!
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.
Capital Project and Engineering Leadership:
You'll ensure successful execution of capital projects by managing processes and maintaining compliance with standards and regulations. Oversees capital programs at manufacturing facilities, improving cost, quality, service, and safety with the Production Engineering Leadership (PEL) team. Develops and implements project management standards to align with company and regulatory requirements. Supports strategic planning and continuous improvement to deliver value across the organization.
Leadership and Team Management:
Leads and manages teams in Maintenance, Capital Project Management, Infrastructure, and Engineering Services, driving business objectives and delivering solutions on time. Partners with Human Resources to implement leadership development programs, enhance performance, and build a diverse, high-performing team. Fosters a culture of safety, communication, empowerment, and recognition.
Technology and Process Optimization:
Identifies and evaluates new automation and technologies to improve manufacturing and distribution. Works with leadership teams to assess the technical and economic feasibility of manufacturing technology opportunities. Partners with Engineering Leadership to optimize equipment and infrastructure.
Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement:
Develops and implements long-term plans to improve productivity and meet customer and quality standards. Shares best practices across business units and promotes continuous improvement. Ensures processes meet high operational standards and quality requirements.
Safety and Compliance:
Promotes food and safety programs to ensure safe project execution. Ensures capital projects meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Budget and Project Oversight:
Manages capital project budgets and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Supports the development of capital plans and ensures proper project preparation and execution.
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 12+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required. Prior experience as a Project Manager or similar role, required. Experience leading multiple, complex, major capital investments, required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and SAP. Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required. Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT
Experience developing and implementing a capital project management methodology in a multi-plant environment. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability. Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment. Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Mobility:
Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Standing:
You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings.
Weather Conditions:
Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements.
Terrain:
If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential. 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! At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees' children. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!
