Career Foundation Program Associate - Business Technology & Applications
About The Position
As a Career Foundation Program Associate – IT Business Analyst, you will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of business and technology. You will collaborate 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 role is part of Smithfield’s Career Foundation Program (CFP), a training program for recent college graduates that provides opportunities to explore career options through function-specific rotations. Associates in the IT Business Analyst track learn how technology enables operational success in Manufacturing while supporting efficiency, cost-saving, and system-improvement projects. Company senior leaders, an assigned manager, mentor, and 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 current enrollment 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 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- High level of professionalism and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including periodic overnight travel.
- Currently authorized to work in the U.S.
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
- Vision abilities including close, distance, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
- Ability to travel as needed.
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
- Assist in gathering and documenting 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 as appropriate.
- Help prioritize system issues and maintain systems to support changing 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 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.
Benefits
- Relocation package available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
