Smithfield Foods

Operational Technology Delivery Manager

Smithfield Foods$100K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and 5+ years in operational technology, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems.
  • 2+ years of experience in team management or project leadership.
  • Working knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS) such as SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and MES.
  • Familiarity with OT cybersecurity concepts and frameworks like IEC 62443 or NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
  • Project management skills in scope, schedule, and budget control for OT projects.
  • Strong coordination and communication skills with plant operations and IT stakeholders.
  • Hands-on experience preferred for delivery focus and strategy development.

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of OT and automation strategies for performance improvement.
  • Manage delivery of automation and OT projects, ensuring planning and commissioning success.
  • Implement cybersecurity measures and support risk management for operational systems.
  • Oversee integration of manufacturing systems with enterprise applications for operational visibility.
  • Collaborate with varied stakeholders to deliver effective automation solutions.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards for automation solutions.
  • Support digital transformation through adoption of new technologies and processes.
  • Develop and mentor engineering talent, promoting a collaborative environment.

Benefits

  • Relocation package available.
  • Opportunities for professional development and engineering talent growth.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge automation and controls initiatives.
  • Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Collaborative culture with roles in digital transformation.
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 position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As the Operational Technology Delivery Manager, you will lead the execution of automation, controls, and operational technology initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, safety, and efficiency across Smithfield operations.

Reporting into Operational Technology leadership, you will serve as the technical leader responsible for delivering automation and controls solutions, leading automation engineers, and supporting capital project execution from design through commissioning and startup. You will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, System Integrators, and Equipment Vendors to deploy scalable and standardized automation solutions that support the company's Operational Technology strategy.

This role combines technical expertise, project execution, and people leadership to ensure successful implementation of automation technologies, industrial control systems, IIoT solutions, and digital manufacturing initiatives. You will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities while ensuring solutions are secure, reliable, maintainable, and aligned with enterprise standards.

If you're passionate about automation, controls engineering, industrial digitalization, and developing engineering talent, this is the role 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.
  • OT Strategy Delivery: Lead the execution of Operational Technology and automation strategies across assigned facilities and projects. Support digital manufacturing, IIoT, and automation initiatives while identifying opportunities to improve operational performance and align technology investments with business goals.
  • OT Project Execution: Manage the successful delivery of automation and OT projects, including controls systems, manufacturing technologies, and digital solutions. Oversee project planning, execution, commissioning, and startup activities while coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve project objectives.
  • Cybersecurity & Risk Management: Implement OT cybersecurity requirements and support risk management activities to protect manufacturing operations while maintaining system reliability and availability. Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity teams, and vendors to ensure compliance with established security standards and frameworks.
  • IT/OT Integration: Lead the integration of manufacturing systems with enterprise applications and data platforms to enable reliable information flow and operational visibility. Ensure OT data standards and integration practices are consistently applied across systems and projects.
  • Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors to develop and deliver effective automation solutions. Serve as a key technical resource, translating business needs into practical technology implementations while managing vendor performance and project deliverables.
  • Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance reliability, efficiency, productivity, and automation performance across manufacturing operations. Leverage operational data, performance metrics, and engineering best practices to identify and implement sustainable improvements.
  • Compliance, Safety & Regulatory Alignment: Ensure automation and OT solutions comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and company standards while supporting audits, risk reduction initiatives, and operational readiness. Maintain accurate technical documentation and promote safe, resilient system operations.
  • Change & Transformation Leadership: Support digital transformation initiatives by driving adoption of new technologies, processes, and automation capabilities across the organization. Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making through training and stakeholder engagement.
  • People Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor Automation and Controls Engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence. Manage engineering resources and support employee development to ensure successful delivery of both project and operational objectives.


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 and 5+ years of relevant experience in operational technology, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership required.
  • Working knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS), including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and MES, required.
  • Working knowledge of OT cybersecurity concepts and frameworks (e.g., IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework), required.
  • Project management expertise, including scope, schedule, and budget control for OT/automation projects, required.
  • Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with stakeholders across plant operations and IT, required.
  • Hands-on delivery focus with the ability to contribute to OT strategy and roadmap development, preferred.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
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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