Managing Director, Engineering

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. As the Managing Director of Engineering , you play a key role in directing the engineering organization to deliver high-value, innovative solutions that support the company’s mission and growth objectives. You will help shape and communicate the strategic vision for engineering and technical operations, ensuring best-in-class execution and continuous improvement. You’ll leverage your expertise in capital planning and detailed process knowledge to oversee vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers, ensuring we deliver the highest value and stay ahead of the competition by driving profitability and operational excellence through effective planning and execution. You will foster a culture of safety, empowerment, and recognition, building a high-performing, diverse engineering leadership team. 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. Strategic Leadership: Define and execute engineering strategy aligned with corporate goals. Oversee product development, technology innovation, and operational efficiency. Develop and implement long-term plans to improve productivity and meet customer and quality standards. Perform competitive analyses, leveraging data to inform engineering strategy. Capital Project & Engineering Oversight: Ensure successful execution of capital projects by managing processes and maintaining compliance with standards and regulations. Oversee capital programs at manufacturing facilities, improving cost, quality, service, and safety. Develop and implement project management standards to align with company and regulatory requirements. Manage capital project budgets and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Support the development of capital plans and ensure proper project preparation and execution. Team & People Management: Build and maintain a high-performing engineering leadership team. Lead, develop, and inspire teams in Maintenance, Capital Project Management, Infrastructure, and Engineering Services. Drive positive employee experience through leadership, development, and coaching. Partner with Human Resources to implement leadership development programs and enhance performance. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to deliver integrated business solutions. Facilitate collaboration across the company to deliver the best products to customers and consumers. Represent engineering in executive forums and board-level discussions. Innovation & Technology: Identify and evaluate new technologies and processes to improve manufacturing and distribution. Partner with other functional areas to quickly bring viable products to market. Safety & Compliance: Promote food and safety programs to ensure safe project execution. Ensure capital projects meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. 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, Business or related field and 10 years of progressive engineering management experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5 years of demonstrated experience in team management/development. MBA and Registration as a Professional Engineer, preferred. Senior-level experience in protein manufacturing. Proven record in strategic planning and organizational leadership. Experience leading multiple, complex, major capital investments, required. Strong business acumen and ability to influence at the executive level. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills; ability to present and discuss strategies in a manner that establishes rapport and persuades various audiences. Ability to be respectful, approachable, and collaborative while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proficient with syndicated data, Microsoft Office Suite, and SAP. Experience developing and implementing capital project management methodology in a multi-plant environment. Ability to prioritize projects and produce high quality and quantity output that adds value to the company. Self-motivated with strong sense of accountability, initiative, and the ability to work collaboratively to attain results that meet business needs. High level of 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. Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings. Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements. Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential. &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 , Managing Director, Engineering, Engineering , Smithfield, Virginia