Operational Technology Delivery Manager

Smithfield Foods•Sioux Falls, SD

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Operational Technology Delivery Manager, you will lead the execution of automation, controls, and operational technology initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, safety, and efficiency across Smithfield operations. Reporting into Operational Technology leadership, you will serve as the technical leader responsible for delivering automation and controls solutions, leading automation engineers, and supporting capital project execution from design through commissioning and startup. You will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, System Integrators, and Equipment Vendors to deploy scalable and standardized automation solutions that support the company's Operational Technology strategy. This role combines technical expertise, project execution, and people leadership to ensure successful implementation of automation technologies, industrial control systems, IIoT solutions, and digital manufacturing initiatives. You will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities while ensuring solutions are secure, reliable, maintainable, and aligned with enterprise standards. If you're passionate about automation, controls engineering, industrial digitalization, and developing engineering talent, this is the role for you!

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years of relevant experience in operational technology, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership required.
Working knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS), including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and MES, required.
Working knowledge of OT cybersecurity concepts and frameworks (e.g., IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework), required.
Project management expertise, including scope, schedule, and budget control for OT/automation projects, required.
Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with stakeholders across plant operations and IT, required.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on delivery focus with the ability to contribute to OT strategy and roadmap development, preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of Operational Technology and automation strategies across assigned facilities and projects.
Support digital manufacturing, IIoT, and automation initiatives while identifying opportunities to improve operational performance and align technology investments with business goals.
Manage the successful delivery of automation and OT projects, including controls systems, manufacturing technologies, and digital solutions.
Oversee project planning, execution, commissioning, and startup activities while coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve project objectives.
Implement OT cybersecurity requirements and support risk management activities to protect manufacturing operations while maintaining system reliability and availability.
Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity teams, and vendors to ensure compliance with established security standards and frameworks.
Lead the integration of manufacturing systems with enterprise applications and data platforms to enable reliable information flow and operational visibility.
Ensure OT data standards and integration practices are consistently applied across systems and projects.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors to develop and deliver effective automation solutions.
Serve as a key technical resource, translating business needs into practical technology implementations while managing vendor performance and project deliverables.
Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance reliability, efficiency, productivity, and automation performance across manufacturing operations.
Leverage operational data, performance metrics, and engineering best practices to identify and implement sustainable improvements.
Ensure automation and OT solutions comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and company standards while supporting audits, risk reduction initiatives, and operational readiness.
Maintain accurate technical documentation and promote safe, resilient system operations.
Support digital transformation initiatives by driving adoption of new technologies, processes, and automation capabilities across the organization.
Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making through training and stakeholder engagement.
Lead, develop, and mentor Automation and Controls Engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
Manage engineering resources and support employee development to ensure successful delivery of both project and operational objectives.