SVP of Engineering & Innovation Food Automation

Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with an over 100-year operating history. Through our portfolio of operating companies, we deliver trusted end-to-end process solutions for customers and partners through engineering and integration expertise, project management and operational excellence. With worldwide sales distribution and service networks we provide immediate and lifetime aftermarket support to all the markets we serve in the food processing, packaging and material handling sectors. Duravant’s market-leading brands are synonymous with innovation, durability and reliability.

This position description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by supervisors and the requirement for flexibility in helping others for the company's overall benefit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior 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:

Technology & Innovation Strategy

• Define and execute the Food Automation Group's technology, software, automation, and innovation strategy.
• Establish long-term technology roadmaps aligned with business growth objectives.
• Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities that create competitive advantage.

Software & Digital Solutions

• Lead software platform, controls architecture, and digital technology strategies across operating companies.
• Drive initiatives supporting connected equipment, analytics, automation, and digital services.
• Promote alignment and scalability of technology investments across the portfolio.

Integrated Solutions & Product Strategy

• Guide development of integrated customer solutions spanning equipment, software, controls, and lifecycle services.
• Align technology roadmaps with customer needs, market trends, and commercial priorities.
• Identify opportunities for cross-company collaboration and shared technology platforms.

Engineering Excellence & Product Standardization

• Lead standardization and modularization initiatives across the Food Automation portfolio to reduce cost, complexity, and product variation.
• Drive common engineering standards, product architectures, and shared component strategies across operating companies.
• Improve manufacturability, procurement efficiency, and serviceability through platform-based design and component rationalization.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Management to optimize product cost, quality, and speed to market.
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage common technologies, suppliers, and engineering resources across the Group.

Product Portfolio Governance

• Lead governance processes for product development, innovation investments, and technology prioritization.
• Establish consistent product development frameworks and decision-making processes.
• Ensure engineering and R&D investments support strategic business objectives.

Enterprise Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with Operating Company Presidents and engineering leaders to align technology and innovation priorities.
• Lead through influence in a matrixed organization without direct reporting relationships.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and engineering best practices across operating companies.

Strategic Business Support

• Support acquisition evaluations, technology partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Represent the Food Automation Group with customers, industry organizations, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure innovation initiatives deliver measurable business value and support long-term growth