Strategic Project Manager

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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

Join our dynamic Engineering team and play a key role in optimizing production processes that directly impact the success of some of the most iconic brands in the industry-Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and more! In this exciting role, you'll analyze data, create implementation plans, and identify opportunities to maximize efficiency by eliminating waste, ultimately reducing operating costs and driving success for our customers and consumers.

As a Strategic Project Manager, you will apply cutting-edge science and mathematics to design and develop innovative technical projects in the pork and packaged meat industry. You'll lead large, complex projects and guide a team of junior engineers, using your expertise to tackle challenges and deliver impactful solutions. Working with minimal guidance, you'll stay ahead of emerging trends, proactively identifying threats and opportunities to create solutions that drive excellence.

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges, lead a team, and make a real difference in a rapidly evolving industry, this is the opportunity 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.

• Design and Project Execution: You'll develop preliminary engineering designs, specifications, and project cost estimates. Conducts feasibility studies, researches data, and determines design criteria based on required standards and codes. Validates fieldwork and ensures projects are accurately transferred into as-built drawings. Reviews engineering projects from plants for accuracy and soundness. Directs vendors and contractors to ensure timely project execution and manages installation schedules. Collaborates with management and engineering teams to implement plans and recommendations.

• Design Implementation and Coordination: You'll provide direction to equipment vendors for layout planning, utility requirements, and installation schedules. Reviews consultants' work and suggests adjustments as needed. Maintains documentation, including equipment manuals, drawings, parts lists, and vendor contacts.

• Reports, Proposals, and Bid Review: You'll also lead engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre-project studies. Prepares project documents including scope, requests for proposals, budget analysis, and schedules. Submits reports to management on time and ensures budget compliance during project execution. Reviews and administers contracts, including bid package evaluations.

• Strategic Projects and Budget Management: Focuses on executing high ROI projects, including automation and new technology developed by the Automation team. Leads large-scale strategic projects, typically exceeding $5 million, that drive significant company growth and return. Monitors installations to ensure adherence to specifications and budget.

• 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, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Minimum of 2+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.

• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.

• Proficient in engineering economics.

• Proficient in AutoCAD.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Word processing software, other Microsoft Office products.

• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Excellent 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.

• Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Frequently required to sit, use hands, and talk or hear.

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!