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Perdue Farms is 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 Manufacturing IT Lead Engineer will be responsible for leading and enhancing the Information Technology computing / automation within our manufacturing facilities. This role is accountable for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of our manufacturing systems and **implementing modern technologies to optimize production processes.**

The salary range for this position is $209,000 - $313,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

+ **Strategy & Leadership** : Establish and lead a cross-functional team with expertise in manufacturing and automation. Leads the development of long-term manufacturing IT strategy in collaboration with the Supply Chain Manufacturing Team and IT Leadership Team Creates manufacturing technology products.

+ **Design and Development:** Lead the strategy, deployment, and support for critical manufacturing capabilities (e.g., globally deployed processes, systems, and analytics solutions). Optimizes manufacturing processes and designing, developing and executing new automation systems. Ensures connection to IT systems such as data-lake as required. Ensures survivability of the plant in design.

+ **System Integration** : Integrate automation systems with existing factory hardware and software to ensure seamless operations.

+ **Testing and Debugging: Leads rigorous testing** and debugging of IT / automation systems, **ensuring they function correctly and efficiently.**

+ **Maintenance** : Leads IT maintenance and system checks to ensure the continuous functionality of automation equipment

+ **Compliance** : Ensures all automation activities comply with relevant regulatory standards and safety protocols

+ **Collaboration:** Engage with leaders at all levels to build alignment around the strategic direction. Works with cross-functional teams, including engineering, IT, and manufacturing, to identify opportunities for automation and process improvement

+ **Innovation** : Stay abreast of technological advancements and trends in automation to facilitate continuous improvement of manufacturing processes

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, and 12+ years of experience working in an Operational Technology environment, preferably in a manufacturing environment, focused on systems development, design and manufacturing process optimization.

The ideal candidate will have:

+ Strategic planning experience.

+ Proven record of applying analytical, structured problem-solving techniques to address strategic questions in manufacturing.

+ **Technical Skills:** Proficiency in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), network management, system administration, and cybersecurity. Experience in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is a plus. Experience with guiding and leading the development of digital roadmaps for manufacturing sites. Understating of available solutions and prerequisites for EBR (Electronic Batch Records), MES, process data analytics and repetitive process automation

+ **Problem-Solving:** Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.

+ **Results-oriented** : takes ownership and operates with high sense of urgency. Consistent record of solving problems, breaking down barriers and delivering results ahead of schedule

+ **Communication:** Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.

+ **Project Management/Collaboration:** Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams--listening and assimilating other viewpoints to come up with a better solution. Ability to work with consulting firms. Agile and adaptable, able to prioritize multiple priorities, act with vitality, and lead in the presence of ambiguity

+ **Financial acumen** : Understanding of manufacturing site financials, ability to quantify opportunities financially and prepare comparative analysis of scenarios

+ **Leadership:** Results oriented, takes ownership and operates with high sense of urgency. Consistent record of solving problems, breaking down barriers and delivering results on time or ahead of schedule. Ability to develop trust, rapport and buy-in of leaders and peers necessary for obtaining necessary approvals and successfully (i.e. on time, under budget, desired results) managing change.

Experience Preferred

Master’s degree, PMP, or similar qualification, highly preferred.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

+ Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.

+ May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.

+ May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

+ Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

_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._