Associate Corporate Buyer

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

2d

About The Position

The Associate Corporate Buyer supports the procurement of packaging, ingredients, and operating supplies for the 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 appropriate cost, quality, and service levels. It supports supplier coordination, order execution, and basic analysis to help maintain continuity of supply, optimize costs, and improve supply-chain efficiency.

The position manages day-to-day purchasing needs for assigned product lines across multiple facilities; monitors material availability, quality, and delivery; follows up on purchase orders; and communicates order status. It also supports supplier implementation, product development and changes, SAP and related systems, supplier issue resolution, and compliance with sourcing agreements and procurement policies. Most work takes place in an office outside the production plant, with plant visits and travel of up to approximately 40% as business needs require.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Currently enrolled college students with anticipated graduation by the end of the current school year will be considered qualified.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills, with 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 needs for assigned product lines used 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.
• Maintain accurate supplier and vendor data.
• Support Marketing, R&D, and plant teams through ideation sessions, product transfers, and implementation of product changes, 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