Strategic Project Manager

Smithfield sustainably feeds people worldwide, producing good food with respect for people, animals, communities, and the planet. We offer challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute, and make a real impact.

What You’ll Do

• Design Work: develop preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials; conduct research, feasibility, and economic studies to ensure designs are viable and cost‑effective; determine design criteria based on required standards and codes; validate field work and create as‑built drawings; review and check engineering projects for accuracy; manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors; coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors.
• Design Implementation: coordinate and provide direction to equipment vendors for layout planning, ensuring utility requirements are met and installation schedules maintained; review work products from consultants, recommending adjustments; maintain comprehensive documentation including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information.
• Reports and Proposals: conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre‑project studies; determine scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, evaluate proposals to select the best approach; submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines.
• Review of Bids and Project Preparation: administer contracts, review bid packages for compliance; prepare project documentation such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules; monitor installations to ensure proposal specifications and budgets are met; manage budget activities for financial control and accountability; continuously improve robotic and controls knowledge.
• People Management: drive a positive employee experience through leadership, employee development, and coaching.

What We’re Seeking

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering, or related field, plus 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership, including team development and management.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
• Project Management skills, contract administration skills, and interpretation of national codes and standards.
• Proficiency in engineering economics, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office products.
• Energized by collaboration and traveling to other locations (approximately 50% of the time).

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.
• Previous experience managing multi‑million dollar projects with large scopes.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team oriented while building strong relationships and a positive work environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Majority of time spent in an office setting outside of the production plant; plant environment includes wet or humid conditions, extreme cold/heat, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in work environment is usually moderate but can be loud in the production area.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands, talk, or hear.

Relocation Package Available: Yes.

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 veteran status, disability, or any other protected class or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call 757‑357‑1595.