Associate Corporate Buyer

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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 VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

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

The Associate Corporate Buyer supports the procurement of packaging, ingredients, and operating supplies for the Lunch Makers business by executing purchasing activities in accordance with established policies and procedures. In this role, you will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure materials are sourced at optimal cost, quality, and service levels. You will assist with supplier coordination, order execution, and basic analysis to support continuity of supply while contributing to cost optimization and operational efficiency across the supply chain.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

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.

• Business Partnership & Strategy Support: Participate in Marketing and cross-functional meetings to provide input on business strategy, support new product development, and ensure purchasing decisions align with operational and business needs.
• Product Line & Supplier Management: Manage the day-to-day purchasing needs for assigned product lines used across multiple facilities, serving as a liaison between plants and suppliers and supporting the implementation of new suppliers and sourcing awards.
• Materials Planning & Inventory Control: Monitor material availability, quality, and delivery performance; manage redundant and obsolete materials; follow up on purchase orders; and communicate order status to internal stakeholders.
• Systems & Data Stewardship: Serve as SAP Gatekeeper for Ingredients and Packaging and provide facility support for SAP, DSP (Data Stewardship Platform), MRP, and packaging inquiries while maintaining accurate supplier and vendor data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support Marketing, R&D, and plant teams through ideation sessions, product transfers, and implementation of product changes, representing Purchasing in cross-functional initiatives.
• Supplier Performance & Issue Resolution: Lead weekly plant purchasing manager meetings to identify and resolve supplier issues, follow up on claims, and ensure adherence to sourcing agreements and service expectations.
• Procurement Execution & Compliance: Execute purchasing activities for assigned materials and supplies in accordance with established procurement policies, approved buying programs, and sourcing strategies.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

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.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both written and verbal formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• Planning & Organization: Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Negotiation & Business Acumen: Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to make sound business decisions that support operational continuity.
• Travel & Flexibility: Willingness to travel up to approximately 40% as business needs require.
• Collaboration & Culture Fit: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while being respectful, approachable, and team-oriented.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• C.P.M., A.P.P. or APICS certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

EEO Information

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.