Director, Process Improvement Engineering

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

1d • $140,000 - $182,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Process Improvement Engineering will provide strategic and technical leadership across multiple facilities to enhance operational performance through advanced engineering principles, continuous improvement, and systems optimization. This role will oversee enterprise-wide initiatives in process design, production efficiency, labor utilization, technology integration, and quality improvements. Responsibilities include leading multisite engineering teams, standardizing engineering practices, driving cost-saving initiatives, and cultivating a culture of performance, safety, and innovation. This role is critical in aligning engineering efforts with business objectives, ensuring measurable improvements in productivity, yield, and customer satisfaction across the Smithfield manufacturing platform.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering (Industrial or Mechanical), Manufacturing, or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development required.
• Strong background in lean manufacturing, project management, and change leadership.
• Ability to travel up to 50–75%, depending on project and plant support requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Proficient in engineering software tools (AutoCAD), SAP, Microsoft Office Suite, and performance tracking systems (Power BI preferred).
• Demonstrated experience managing large capital projects and optimizing production operations.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments while remaining respectful, approachable, and team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Process Improvement Engineering function across multiple sites, ensuring the organization has the structure, capability, and technical resources to achieve current and future goals.
• Drive the deployment of Manufacturing Intelligence (MIQ) and Lean initiatives across all facilities, championing tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, and Six Sigma to achieve operational excellence.
• Identify and implement scalable improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve product quality and resource utilization.
• Establish and monitor productivity and performance standards across operations, guiding KPI development, gap analysis, and corrective actions to sustain improvements.
• Partner with operations, quality, product development, and supply chain to support manufacturing needs and new product introductions.
• Oversee the planning and execution of large-scale engineering and capital projects, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, budget compliance, and timely delivery.
• Build and lead high-performing engineering teams, providing coaching and development opportunities while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and employee engagement.
• Ensure alignment with regulatory, safety, and quality standards, sustaining processes that meet or exceed corporate and industry benchmarks.
• Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
• Responsible for hiring, training, performance management, and career development of direct reports and project team members.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs
• LinkedIn Learning access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training
• Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs
• Leadership development initiatives
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children
• Relocation Package Available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director