Director, Strategic Sourcing

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

2d

About The Position

As the Director, Strategic Sourcing, you will lead enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across direct, indirect, MRO, and capital categories, driving value, supply assurance, and operational efficiency. You will manage approximately $1 billion in spend across a diverse vendor portfolio, guiding supplier selection, contract negotiations, and strategic relationship management. You will lead and develop a high-performing sourcing organization while partnering cross-functionally to align procurement strategies with enterprise objectives, continuously improving cost management, sourcing processes, and vendor performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business, food science, packaging, agri-business, economics, engineering, supply chain or related discipline and 10+ years’ relevant experience in a multiple facility organization; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development is required.
• Progressive experience utilizing strategic sourcing methodology and techniques such as value stream management, lean concepts, and contractual alternatives.
• Proven ability in contract reading, writing, negotiation, and execution with a track record of delivering results.
• Strong PC skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); knowledge of Workday or other procurement tools is a plus.
• Strong project management skills to support cross-functional initiatives. Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to navigate complex, unstructured business challenges with a solid understanding of operational planning and enterprise processes.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Up to 25% travel to manufacturing plants and vendor locations required.
• Demonstrated ability to be respectful, approachable, and supportive while fostering strong relationships and a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

• SAP experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Procurement Initiatives: Develop and oversee enterprise procurement programs, including purchasing, contract negotiation, vendor selection, and RFx processes using structured evaluation frameworks.
• Drive High-Stakes Negotiations: Apply advanced negotiation strategies to secure favorable commercial outcomes, maximize leverage, and manage complex, high-value agreements across spend categories.
• Execute Cost Optimization Strategies: Establish and manage cost reduction and value-creation goals, driving initiatives across multiple spend areas to improve financial performance.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Actively manage supply, operational, and commercial risks while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Enhance Supplier Performance: Lead continuous improvement efforts to improve vendor service levels, performance, innovation adoption, and alignment with business objectives.
• Strengthen Cross-Functional Partnerships: Collaborate with business leaders and functional stakeholders to understand needs, identify savings opportunities, and leverage enterprise purchasing power.
• Optimize Supply Chain & Enterprise Costs: Partner with operational, planning, and procurement teams to reduce costs while maintaining continuity, service reliability, and quality standards.
• Standardize Vendor Relationships: Review and optimize purchasing arrangements to consolidate suppliers, streamline SKUs where applicable, and improve overall cost and service performance.
• Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees