Senior Strategic Project Manager

Smithfield Foods•Sioux Falls, NC

About The Position

The Senior Strategic Project Manager is part of Smithfield’s Engineering team and applies scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles to design and develop technical projects for the pork and packaged meat industry. The role handles the company’s most complex and large projects, serves as an internal project-management subject matter expert, solves unique and complex problems, and leads multiple teams by providing direction and coaching. The position anticipates business, vendor, and regulatory issues and develops broad solutions. The role develops and executes project plans, including budgets, schedules, communication, and risk management, and monitors progress with corrective action as needed. It develops preliminary engineering designs, keeps work aligned with the approved scope, and keeps leadership informed of required changes. The project manager builds communication plans and proactively communicates potential issues and recommended solutions. The role also continuously improves its robotics and controls knowledge to support innovative solutions. Most work is in an office outside the production plant, with time in a plant environment that may involve wet or humid conditions, extreme heat or cold, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, and variable noise. Travel is required, including extended overnight stays. The position may have supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing Associate Engineers, Project Engineers, Senior Project Engineers, and Project Managers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field, plus 8 or more years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
Project management skills.
Contract administration skills.
Ability to interpret national codes and standards.
Proficiency in engineering economics.
Proficiency in AutoCAD.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, word-processing software, and other Microsoft Office products.
Excellent written and oral communication, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability skills.
Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Ability to travel, including extended overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.
Previous experience managing multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute overall project plans, including team development, budgets, schedules, communications, and risk management; monitor progress and take corrective action as needed.
Develop project budgets using sound engineering practices and proactively control costs across project teams.
Develop realistic project schedules, monitor progress, and anticipate internal or external issues that could affect delivery.
Develop preliminary engineering designs to meet project needs, monitor scope, prevent unnecessary scope changes, and inform leadership of necessary changes.
Lead multiple project teams and establish management routines that provide oversight and guidance.
Develop and execute communication plans so the organization remains engaged and informed of project status.
Proactively communicate potential issues and recommended solutions before they become problems.
Continuously improve robotics and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions.
May supervise and lead Associate Engineers, Project Engineers, Senior Project Engineers, and Project Managers; responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding or disciplining employees, and resolving complaints and problems.
Perform other duties as assigned.