Associate Corporate Buyer

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

3d • $52,500 - $77,500

About The Position

The Associate Corporate Buyer supports procurement of packaging, ingredients, and operating supplies for Smithfield’s Lunch Makers business. The role executes purchasing activities in accordance with established policies and procedures and works with internal stakeholders and suppliers to source materials at optimal cost, quality, and service levels. It assists with supplier coordination, order execution, and basic analysis to help ensure continuity of supply, cost optimization, and operational efficiency across the supply chain.

The position manages day-to-day purchasing needs for assigned product lines across multiple facilities and supports business strategy, new product development, supplier performance, inventory control, procurement compliance, and cross-functional initiatives. It also serves as SAP Gatekeeper for Ingredients and Packaging and provides facility support for SAP, DSP, MRP, and packaging inquiries.

Most work takes place in an office setting outside the production plant. Plant environments may involve wet or humid conditions, extreme cold or heat, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise is usually moderate but can be loud in production areas. The role may require travel up to approximately 40% as business needs require. The expected annual pay range is $52,500–$77,500.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; currently enrolled college students anticipating graduation by the end of the current school year will also be considered qualified.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in written and verbal formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and ability to make sound business decisions that support operational continuity.
• Willingness to travel up to approximately 40% as business needs require.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while being respectful, approachable, and team-oriented.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Participate in Marketing and cross-functional meetings, provide input on business strategy, support new product development, and align purchasing decisions with operational and business needs.
• Manage day-to-day purchasing for assigned product lines across multiple facilities.
• Serve as a liaison between plants and suppliers and support implementation of new suppliers and sourcing awards.
• Monitor material availability, quality, and delivery performance; manage redundant and obsolete materials; follow up on purchase orders; and communicate order status to internal stakeholders.
• 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.
• Support Marketing, R&D, and plant teams through ideation sessions, product transfers, and product-change implementation, representing Purchasing in cross-functional initiatives.
• 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.
• Execute purchasing activities for assigned materials and supplies in accordance with procurement policies, approved buying programs, and sourcing strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level