Senior Regional Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Senior Regional Engineering Manager to lead engineering teams across multiple meat plants, setting strategic direction for maintenance and engineering operations.

You will drive capital planning and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards while delivering high-performance results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and 8+ years of experience.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management or project leadership.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Proficient in engineering economics.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering team members across multiple plants to ensure optimal performance.
• Oversee capital and expense plans and project execution at all locations.
• Provide technical leadership for production technologies and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and safety standards.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement in M&E processes.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Engineering principles

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor\'s Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

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

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a Senior Regional Engineering Manager, you'll lead the development of game-changing operational strategies and drive excellence across multiple locations. You'll provide expert technical guidance, optimize M&E processes, and tackle key challenges to elevate plant performance. By closing skill gaps, and fostering strong cross-functional relationships, you'll empower your team to succeed. With your extensive expertise in fresh and packaged meat manufacturing equipment and maintenance & engineering processes, you'll be a driving force in sustaining high-performance operations. You'll influence key decisions, lead lower-level engineers, collaborate seamlessly with peers, and ensure plant management is equipped with the right technical insights to maintain peak operational success. Your strategic vision and leadership will be the catalyst for transforming the M&E landscape and driving consistent improvement.

What You'll Do

• Leadership & Performance Management You'll lead engineering team members to cover multiple plants to ensure optimal plant performance, overseeing Project Engineering teams and projects at all locations. Manage direct reports from diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., Reliability, Strategic, Automation and /or Project Engineering) to maintain excellence. Ensure priority projects and capital/expense plans are effectively managed and properly resourced. Guide and participate in equipment comparison tests, FAT's/SAT's, master plans, and research of new equipment opportunities. Oversee the effective execution of plant utilities and process discipline by collaborating with the Infrastructure Group.
• Strategic Oversight & Continuous Improvement Manage an Annual Capital Budget of up to $50mm, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and resource optimization. Partner with Plant Operations and Maintenance leadership to identify opportunities and implement strategies that boost operational performance. Lead the evaluation and identification of M&E process gaps across multiple plants, driving continuous improvement initiatives. Develop and maintain a culture of improvement within M&E departments, focusing on cost savings and process optimization. Lead the refinement and enhancement of the Engineering Excellence assessment process to ensure continuous evolution and relevance.
• Technical & Operational Excellence You'll also provide technical leadership, overseeing the development and implementation of production technologies and technical improvements. Ensure plant teams have the expertise and troubleshooting capabilities to effectively handle major outages and complex equipment issues. Drive clarity in engineering standards and resource scheduling, aligning performance with established processes. Develop and implement programs, policies, and practices to ensure safe, high-quality food production that meets regulatory and company standards.
• Compliance & Risk Management You will ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local engineering codes and regulations by keeping M&E programs, policies, and procedures up-to-date. Lead and execute cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and transfer knowledge across the organization, maintaining high standards for Quality, Food Safety, and Safety Systems.
• Employee Development & Team Leadership Lead, inspire, and develop high-performing engineering teams, providing clear direction to achieve business objectives and innovative solutions. Partner with HR to deploy leadership development opportunities, drive performance management, and build a diverse, engaged workforce. Foster a culture focused on workplace safety, open communication, empowerment, and employee recognition.

What We're Seeking

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 8+ 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.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Proficient in engineering economics.
• Proficient in AutoCAD.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of their team.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include supporting the interviewing and hiring of skilled trade employees and the training of these employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

The expected pay range for this position is $120,000 - $162,500 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.

Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

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.