VP of Engineering & Innovation Food Automation

VP Of Engineering & Innovation Food Automation

The Vice President of Engineering & Innovation is responsible for establishing and driving the technology, engineering, software, and innovation strategy for the Duravant Food Automation Group. This executive partners with Operating Company Presidents, engineering leaders, product management teams, and commercial leaders to develop long-term technology roadmaps, guide product portfolio decisions, and identify opportunities for innovation and growth across the broader Food Processing Industries of Protein (Poultry, red meat, fish) and Processed Potatoes, Vegetables and Fruit.

The role provides leadership for software platform strategy, integrated solutions development, digital technologies, and product development governance across the Food Automation Group. Operating within a highly collaborative and decentralized environment, the Senior Vice President influences strategic direction through partnership, alignment, and cross-functional leadership.

By fostering collaboration across operating companies, this position drives technology advancement, engineering excellence, and innovation across the Food Automation Group. The role leads standardization, modularization, and common platform strategies that reduce cost, simplify manufacturing and sourcing, and improve scalability across the portfolio.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Technology & Innovation Strategy
• Software & Digital Solutions
• Integrated Solutions & Product Strategy
• Engineering Excellence & Product Standardization
• Product Portfolio Governance
• Enterprise Leadership & Collaboration
• Strategic Business Support

Position requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Robotics, or a related technical field required.
• Master's degree and/or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, technology, product development, automation, or innovation.
• Experience developing and executing enterprise technology and product strategies within industrial equipment, automation, manufacturing, food processing, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional and multi-site organizations.
• Strong understanding of software platforms, controls systems, automation technologies, and integrated customer solutions.
• Experience leading technology transformation and innovation initiatives across complex organizations.

Skills and competencies include:

• Strategic Thinking
• Innovation Leadership
• Technology Vision
• Portfolio Management
• Executive Influence
• Collaboration
• Business Acumen
• Change Leadership
• Customer Focus
• Results Driven

Physical demands include:

• While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Up to 50% domestic and international travel.

Work environment includes:

• This position may be based at a Food Automation Group operating company location or the Duravant corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered based on business needs.
• This role operates within a highly collaborative, matrixed environment and requires extensive interaction with leadership teams across multiple operating companies to drive strategic alignment, innovation, and technology advancement.

Why you should apply:

• Compensation:
  Competitive compensation including short-term and long-term incentives
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive benefit programs designed to support employees' health, well-being, and financial security
• Development:
  Education and training opportunities, including an educational assistance program
• Time Off:
  Paid holidays and paid time off
• Driven Team Members: A cross-functional, collaborative environment focused on delivering results
• Core Values:
  Do What's Right, Champion Customer Success, Respond Fast
  - Deliver Faster, Work Together
  - Win Together, Ignite What's Next
• Culture: A people-first culture driven by the success and engagement of our employees
• Community Involvement:
  Active participation in local communities, including volunteer opportunities throughout the year through our Doing Good Program

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation Statement:

Duravant is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable legislation.