Smithfield Foods

Director, Plant Engineering

Smithfield Foods$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, with 10+ years of Engineering management experience; or combination of education and experience.
  • Master's degree in relevant field with 8+ years of experience is also acceptable.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in team development and management required.
  • Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical areas including PLCs and instrumentation.
  • Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems and processes such as TPM and predictive maintenance.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead capital projects from concept to completion, ensuring safety and compliance.
  • Drive the development and implementation of advanced maintenance strategies to minimize downtime.
  • Inspire and manage the maintenance team, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Resolve daily operational challenges through effective problem-solving.
  • Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for maintenance success.
  • Lead and coach engineering teams, fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.
  • Step in when necessary to ensure smooth operations and workforce performance.

Benefits

  • Relocation package available.
  • Collaborative, dynamic work environment.
  • Opportunity to be part of manufacturing iconic brands.
  • Professional growth through team leadership and project development.
  • Engagement in strategic initiatives that influence company operations.
Full Job Description
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.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Join our dynamic Engineering team and become a key player in driving innovation and efficiency!

You'll analyze data, optimize production processes, and reduce waste-directly impacting operating costs. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic initiatives, tackle complex challenges, and ensure excellence in maintenance and capital budget management.

As the head of Maintenance and Engineering in a fast-paced plant, you'll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You'll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance.

Your leadership will build and guide a top-tier team, driving operational excellence and shaping the future of manufacturing. Your contributions will power the manufacturing of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and more, helping us meet the demands of customers and consumers alike.

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 Project Development: Lead capital projects from concept to completion-on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards. You'll manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.
  • Maintenance Systems: Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies-including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM-to keep operations running at peak performance. Your leadership will reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and ensure seamless, reliable production.
  • Maintenance Staff and Safety: Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning. Your leadership ensures efficient, compliant operations aligned with Smithfield's standards and all regulatory requirements.
  • Solutions: Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.
  • People Management and Leadership: Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce. Step in seamlessly when needed to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.


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 a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • Candidates with a Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
  • 5+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
  • Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
  • Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
  • 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, required.
  • May be required to work long hours and weekends.


OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, preferred.
  • 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:

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.
  • Office and plant setting. 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.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

IndSPR-Corp
Relocation Package AvailableYes

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a meat processing company that produces and markets a variety of fresh and packaged meats. The company was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield Foods operates in the United States and internationally, and its products are sold under a number of well-known brands. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Smithfield Foods is a subsidiary of WH Group, a Chinese meat processing company.
Learn more about Smithfield Foods
Size
54,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1936

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