Head of Project Management & Strategy

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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. Are you passionate about technology and innovation in industrial equipment automation? We are looking for a Strategic Project Manager to join our dynamic team, where you'll play a key role in driving cutting‑edge automation projects for the pork industry.

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with business partners and cross‑functional teams to understand automation needs and translate them into innovative solutions. As a trusted authority in project management with equipment automation, this role tackles the most complex challenges, turning visionary concepts into reality.

Design Work: You will be responsible for developing preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, while also preparing project cost estimates. You will determine design criteria based on required standards and codes, and validate field work, creating as‑built drawings to document the final outcome. You will review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness and manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors. Additionally, you will coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors, ensuring alignment with management and engineering teams to successfully implement plans.

Design Implementation: You will be accountable for coordinating and providing direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, ensure utility requirements are met, and maintain installation schedules. Additionally, you will maintain comprehensive documentation, including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information, ensuring all project details are properly organized and accessible.

Reports and Proposals: You will conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre‑project studies to assess feasibility and ensure alignment with project goals. Additionally, you will submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines, keeping them informed on progress and key project developments.

Review of Bids and Project Preparation: You are responsible for contract administration, including reviewing bid packages to ensure compliance and completeness. You will prepare essential project documents, such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules, to guide project execution. You will monitor installations to ensure that proposal specifications and budgets are met, and you manage assigned budget activities to maintain financial control and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; 2+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.

Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; 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. (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 be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Relocation Package Available.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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