Export Freight Planner

Smithfield Foods • Suffolk, VA

25d

About The Position

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Are you ready to take charge of global logistics at Smithfield Foods? As an Export Freight Planner, you will be responsible for scheduling, routing, and tracking chilled export shipments—ensuring our products reach international customers efficiently and cost-effectively. This role is central to managing transportation decisions, optimizing load planning, and supporting customer service teams with accurate inventory and appointment coordination. You will collaborate with production plants, freight forwarders, and loading facilities to maintain system accuracy, resolve issues, and drive down transportation costs. Your work will directly impact export volume, delivery timelines, and customer satisfaction. If you're detail-oriented, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced logistics environment, this is your opportunity to make a global impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing international transportation including ocean, air and drayage preferred.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates strong accuracy, organization, and follow-through in all aspects of work.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment to identify solutions and make effective decisions.
• Travel Requirements: May be required to travel on rare or occasional instances based on business needs.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, fostering teamwork and mutual respect.
• Work Ethic & Professionalism: Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and maintaining a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous SAP experience, a plus.
• Experience with Export and trade compliance, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production schedules based on international customer orders.
• Prioritize chilled export items to meet delivery timelines and customer expectations.
• Coordinate with production plants to align output with export demand.
• Determine transportation methods based on cost, weight, order volume, and destination.
• Make strategic loading decisions to minimize transportation costs.
• Track and monitor shipments weekly, including weekends, to ensure timely delivery.
• Schedule loading appointments at container facilities, selecting cost-effective options.
• Maintain accuracy in the Load Management System (LMS) and troubleshoot freight forwarder website issues.
• Support customer service and claims teams with product availability and export-related inquiries.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees