Strategic Project Manager

Smithfield Foods is a company dedicated to sustainably feeding people around the world. They are seeking a Strategic Project Manager to drive automation projects for the pork industry, collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand and implement innovative solutions.

Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for developing preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, while also preparing project cost estimates. Your work involves conducting research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure the design is both viable and cost-effective. You will determine design criteria based on required standards and codes, and validate field work, creating as-built drawings to document the final outcome. You will review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness and manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors. Additionally, you will coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors, ensuring alignment with management and engineering teams to successfully implement plans
• You will be accountable for coordinating and providing direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, ensure utility requirements are met, and maintain installation schedules. You will also review work products submitted by consultants, offering recommendations for adjustments as necessary. Additionally, you will maintain comprehensive documentation, including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information, ensuring all project details are properly organized and accessible
• You will conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre-project studies to assess feasibility and ensure alignment with project goals. You will determine the scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, and evaluate the proposals received to select the best approach. Additionally, you will submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines, keeping them informed on progress and key project developments
• You are responsible for contract administration, including reviewing bid packages to ensure compliance and completeness. You will prepare essential project documents, such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules, to guide project execution. You will monitor installations to ensure that proposal specifications and budgets are met, and you manage assigned budget activities to maintain financial control and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. You'll also continuously improves upon robotic and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions
• Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
• 2+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills
• Proficient in engineering economics
• Proficient in AutoCAD
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Word processing software, other Microsoft Office products
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time)
• 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