Director, Strategic Sourcing

Smithfield Foods • Smithfield, VA

3d

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.

What This Job Offers

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