Career Foundation Program Associate - Business Technology & Applications

Smithfield Foods•Smithfield, VA

About The Position

The Career Foundation Program Associate – Business Technology & Applications role provides hands-on experience at the intersection of business and technology. The associate collaborates with Corporate and Field functions and IT leaders to deliver technology solutions, improve processes, and support enterprise-wide initiatives. The role builds partnerships across business and technical teams and helps Smithfield maximize its investment in technology. This position is part of Smithfield’s Career Foundation Program, a training program for recent college graduates that offers function-specific rotations to explore career options. Associates in the IT Business Analyst track learn how technology enables operational success in Manufacturing while supporting projects focused on efficiency, cost savings, and system improvements. Company senior leaders, an assigned manager, a mentor, and a program manager provide guidance, training, and partnership. The program lasts 18 to 24 months, depending on the rotational track. Associates contribute to department goals, take leadership roles on certain projects, and deliver high-level results that exceed expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation before the start date.
Strong interest in technology, manufacturing processes, and business analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
High level of professionalism and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Travel up to 10% of the time, with periodic overnight travel required.
Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with project management or ERP systems.
Prior experience or internship in IT, systems support, or business analysis.
Exposure to manufacturing environments or supply chain systems.
Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems.
Demonstrated ability to work across business and technical teams.
Strong self-motivation and ability to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

Gather and document business requirements and system process flows.
Translate business needs into functional IT specifications for manufacturing and engineering projects.
Review business processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency improvements.
Recommend uses of existing software functionality to reduce manual effort.
Assist with functional configuration, modification, and testing of designated systems.
Support the design, testing, and implementation of system changes, enhancements, and upgrades.
Troubleshoot manufacturing applications and interfaces and propose fixes.
Help prioritize system issues and maintain systems to support evolving business needs.
Serve as a liaison among Manufacturing, Engineering, IT Plant Systems, Finance, HR, and other IT teams.
Assist implementation teams in deploying new systems and operational processes.
Develop and support training materials for end users and management during deployments.
Collaborate with Infrastructure and Security teams to plan site infrastructure for new equipment and processes.
Travel to implementation sites as needed to assist with deployment and training.
Develop and maintain knowledge of new technology and innovation in Manufacturing and Automation.
Contribute to strategic initiatives, including acquisition onboarding, cost-saving projects, and system standardization efforts.
Contribute to department goals, assume leadership roles for certain projects, and deliver high-level results.