Packaging Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, a global leader in fresh pork products, is seeking a Package Engineering Manager in Smithfield, VA. You will lead the Packaging Engineering Department, guide a team of subject matter experts, and drive innovative, cost‑effective packaging solutions across platforms.

This role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration, project management from concept to implementation, and travel to manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in package engineering or related field; 5+ years relevant experience preferred.
• 2+ years of team management or project leadership required.
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time depending on initiative.

Responsibilities

• Lead a packaging engineering team recognized as SME; implement projects from concept to implementation.
• Travel to manufacturing locations for plant trials and testing.
• Drive cost reductions, improve efficiencies, and support product launches.
• Communicate packaging information to stakeholders and drive cross‑functional projects.

Skills

Packaging engineering knowledge

Project management

Leadership and team development

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in package engineering or related field

Tools

Spec Right

Specification databases

Packaging software

Job description

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.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

Smithfield Foods leverages a diverse range of packaging materials and processes to ensure top-notch quality and efficiency. As the Package Engineering Manager, you will lead a team recognized as the organization’s subject matter experts. Your team will be pivotal in successfully implementing projects and delivering impactful results.

The Packaging Engineering Department at Smithfield plays a crucial role in identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative, improved, and cost‑effective packaging solutions. This department not only drives packaging advancements but also collaborates extensively with cross‑functional project teams.

As a leader in packaging for various business platforms, new product development, cost‑saving initiatives, and core business projects, your team will be at the forefront of driving Smithfield’s packaging excellence.

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.

• Technical Skills and Knowledge: You will successfully utilize Smithfield’s operating systems, software, and procedures, while understanding packaging die lines and their technical relationship to our equipment. Additionally, you will obtain a deep understanding of Smithfield’s corporate structure, products, and processes.
• Project Management: You will lead packaging projects across the organization from concept to implementation, independently travel to manufacturing locations to conduct plant trials and testing, and support projects to optimize costs, improve efficiencies, and generate revenue through product launches while protecting our product. You will consistently deliver cost savings, utilize your packaging experience to support and identify future capital projects, and leverage your project experience to foresee and solve potential problems before they arise.
• Communication and Collaboration: You will effectively communicate packaging information to all levels within the organization and establish open communication with key stakeholders. You will actively identify continuous improvement opportunities within Smithfield plants, lead cross‑functional projects for implementation, and establish a reputation as the expert in our plant needs.
• Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in package engineering or related field and 5+ 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.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations 50% of the time depending on the initiative being executed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Ability to demonstrate proven results with fundamental packaging knowledge, plant testing, and project management.
• Experience with "complex packaging strategies" such as lean manufacturing, corporate purchasing agreements, and strategic sourcing.
• Progressive experience utilizing packaging software Spec Right a plus and specification databases.
• Extensive knowledge of packaging lab testing and techniques.
• Excellent PC skills: MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
• Strong project management skills in support of cross functional team activities.
• 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.
• Demonstrate and adhere to safe work practices especially while working in plant environments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 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.

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.

Relocation Package AvailableYes

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.