Packaging Specifications Manager

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

The Manager - Packaging Specifications is responsible for leading packaging specification processes and data governance while providing direct supervision and technical guidance within Packaging Engineering. This role serves as the subject matter expert for packaging specifications and ensures alignment with customer, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.

This role serves as the technical authority for packaging specifications and data, combining packaging engineering expertise with specification management and people leadership. The position ensures packaging meets customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and sustainability commitments while supporting new product development, commercialization, and cost optimization initiatives.

The PE Spec Manager acts as a key liaison between Packaging Engineering, FSQA, Operations, Sales, Sustainability, Sourcing, and external customers, ensuring alignment across internal systems and customer portals (e.g., e‑halo) and regulatory programs (e.g., EPR, CAA).

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• →

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • →

    Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Package Engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

  • →

    2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership, required.

  • →

    Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and testing.

  • →

    Experience with specification and data systems (e.g., Specright, SAP, PMDM)

  • →

    Familiarity with customer and regulatory systems (e.g., e‑halo, CAA, EPR reporting).

  • →

    Understanding of sustainability reporting and packaging compliance requirements.

  • →

    Ability to interpret and manage technical documentation, supplier data, and regulatory disclosures.

  • →

    Proven ability to lead teams and cross-functional initiatives.

  • →

    Strong project management and organizational skills.

  • →

    Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

  • →

    Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and data accuracy.

  • →

    Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities.

  • →

    Corporate environment with frequent interaction with manufacturing facilities.

  • →

    < 25% travel as needed to support plant trials, audits, and implementation activities.

• Experience working with pilot plant or manufacturing equipment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear

• Ability to stand and work in a production environment (cold and hot) all day

IndSPR-Corp

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.