Senior Director, Information Technology

Smithfield Foods•Smithfield, VA

22h

About The Position

The Senior Director of Information Technology at Smithfield Foods will provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for IT application delivery, operations, and initiatives across the enterprise. This role is responsible for shaping technology strategy, driving digital transformation, and ensuring IT systems and services support business growth, stability, and innovation. The position involves partnering with executive leadership, business units, and IT teams to deliver scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field; and 12+ years of progressive IT leadership experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development required.
Proven ability to define IT strategy and deliver complex technology initiatives that align with enterprise business goals.
Broad knowledge of IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, cloud computing, ERP Platforms (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and emerging digital technologies.
Experience with manufacturing systems, platforms, and infrastructure, including MES, SCADA/HMI, PLCs, quality and production systems, plant floor networks, edge computing, IIoT, and leading technologies (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Ignition).
Strong understanding of business operations, with the ability to translate business needs into effective technology solutions.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels of the organization.
Experience leading digital transformation, driving cultural change, and embedding new processes and systems into business operations.
Strong background in IT governance, compliance, security, and risk management frameworks.
Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing IT teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Proven leadership of multi-site manufacturing IT teams and delivery of smart factory/digital manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Define and execute Smithfield’s IT strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and future growth initiatives.
Provide oversight and direction for IT infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture to ensure scalability, security, and resilience.
Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies and leading digital transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Establish and enforce IT policies, standards, and governance frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory, industry, and security requirements.
Develop and manage IT budgets, allocate resources effectively, and oversee vendor relationships to maximize value and cost efficiency.
Partner with business leaders to identify technology needs, support change initiatives, and deliver IT solutions that drive business performance.
Ensure IT risk management, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans are in place and tested to safeguard business operations.
Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.