Senior Director Engineering

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The Senior Director of Engineering leads our technical teams and drives strategic initiatives to enable business growth and operational excellence. This role is responsible for setting strategy, providing expert technical leadership, and navigating complex, challenging environments with resilience and innovation. The Senior Director will lead a team of engineers focused on developing and executing technical strategies that enhance safety, ensure compliance, improve quality, and support profitable growth while managing cost and budget objectives. This position supports the full lifecycle of major engineering projects, including facility expansions and production line improvements, ensuring successful delivery from concept to completion.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead overall technical strategies and tactics focused on improving Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Works collaboratively with Operations leadership and VP of Engineering to develop and lead Capital investment strategy to deliver on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Provide Technical leadership to ensure regulatory compliance and a safe and productive workplace at all Company sites.
• Develop a staffing plan and build a team of Subject Matter Experts to support the Company in mechanical, electrical, industrial, and process engineering efforts. Coach and develops engineers, provides direction and assignments for 8-12 direct reports.
• Works collaboratively with the entire OnePerdue Engineering Organization and provide interface with technical leaders in FSQA, Maintenance, Environmental and R&D to develop technology strategies.
• Applies economic principles to engineering projects, matching solutions to project scope and understanding financial impacts. Considers costs, benefits, and risks when making engineering decisions. Ensures adherence to all financial policies and procedures.
• Develop long-term technology plans for manufacturing assets. Coach project teams on how to apply, set budgets, schedules, and deliver solutions.
• Lead continuous improvement of processes and technologies to improve efficiency and quality of engineering work processes, design standards, and capital execution.
• Providing strategic direction and vision for new equipment initiatives, cultivating external partnerships, co-developing technological innovations, and contributing to the establishment of industry standards. Facilitate the sharing of best available technology and engineering practices across the Company.

Minimum Education

BS degree or equivalent related work experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering or related discipline.

Experience Requirements

• Twelve (12) years related work experience is required.
• Deep Technical experience in a focused area (Industry, Project management or discipline engineering) is a must.
• History of problem solving, negotiating, managing people, and establishing and meeting schedules is required.
• Must be able to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings
• Frequent plant and project site visits are required.
• Must have adequate computer skills with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.

Experience Preferred

• Fifteen (15) years related work experience is preferred, with demonstrated ability to align engineering efforts with broader business goals.
• Technical experience in, poultry processing, operations, maintenance, refrigeration, and construction is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills, including experience leading engineers in projects or programs, and the ability to successfully engage with cross functional leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary for presenting technical information.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Position is active. Work activity is on the project and plant sites. On the floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine.

• May need to move equipment occasionally.

• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.

• Work activity is where the processing equipment is located.

• Work environment includes, but is not limited to, a normal office environment and construction site as well as climate extremes found in a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery, and a wastewater treatment facility.

• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.

• When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.

• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.

• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.

• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.

• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

• Must be able to work in confined and or permit required confined spaces and heights.

• Must be able to work on and or around operating equipment.

• Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status