Senior Regional Engineering Manager

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering team members to cover multiple plants to ensure optimal plant performance, overseeing Project Engineering teams and projects at all locations.
• Manage direct reports from diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., Reliability, Strategic, Automation and/or Project Engineering) to maintain excellence.
• Ensure priority projects and capital/expense plans are effectively managed and properly resourced.
• Guide and participate in equipment comparison tests, FAT’s/SAT’s, master plans, and research of new equipment opportunities.
• Oversee the effective execution of plant utilities and process discipline by collaborating with the Infrastructure Group.
• Manage an Annual Capital Budget of up to $50mm, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and resource optimization.
• Partner with Plant Operations and Maintenance leadership to identify opportunities and implement strategies that boost operational performance.
• Lead the evaluation and identification of M&E process gaps across multiple plants, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a culture of improvement within M&E departments, focusing on cost savings and process optimization.
• Lead the refinement and enhancement of the Engineering Excellence assessment process to ensure continuous evolution and relevance.
• Provide technical leadership, overseeing the development and implementation of production technologies and technical improvements.
• Ensure plant teams have the expertise and troubleshooting capabilities to effectively handle major outages and complex equipment issues.
• Drive clarity in engineering standards and resource scheduling, aligning performance with established processes.
• Develop and implement programs, policies, and practices to ensure safe, high-quality food production that meets regulatory and company standards.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local engineering codes and regulations by keeping M&E programs, policies, and procedures up-to-date.
• Lead and execute cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and transfer knowledge across the organization, maintaining high standards for Quality, Food Safety, and Safety Systems.
• Lead, inspire, and develop high-performing engineering teams, providing clear direction to achieve business objectives and innovative solutions.
• Partner with HR to deploy leadership development opportunities, drive performance management, and build a diverse, engaged workforce.
• Foster a culture focused on workplace safety, open communication, empowerment, and employee recognition.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Proficient in engineering economics.
• Proficient in AutoCAD.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

Skills

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.
• Previous experience in the management of multi-million dollar projects with large scopes.
• 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.