Associate Corporate Buyer

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both 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 the 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 preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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 established procurement policies, approved buying programs, and sourcing strategies.

Benefits

• Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs
• Out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers
• Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost
• Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs
• LinkedIn Learning access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training
• Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs
• Leadership development initiatives
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children

What This Job Offers

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