Strategic Project Manager

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Smithfield
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. 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: The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. 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. 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 Work: You will be responsible for developing preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, while also preparing project cost estimates. Your work involves conducting research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure the design is both viable and cost-effective. 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. You will also review work products submitted by consultants, offering recommendations for adjustments as necessary. 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. You will determine the scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, and evaluate the proposals received to select the best approach. 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. You'll also continuously improves upon robotic and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions 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. 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: 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. Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. 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. 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. IndSPR-Corp &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; 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!

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Newport News , Strategic Project Manager, Engineering , Smithfield, Virginia