Materials Buyer

Smithfield Foods•Smithfield, VA

1d•$55,000 - $82,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Buyer is responsible for coordinating, executing, and optimizing the procurement of materials required to support uninterrupted production. The Materials Buyer supports the Materials Manager by contributing to sourcing initiatives, resolving supply issues, and maintaining strong supplier performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Strong knowledge Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Good planning, organizational and execution skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and established goals and objectives in a fast-paced environment.
Strong negotiation skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Able to travel up to 25% of the time.
Work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
Respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Prior SAP experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute purchase orders for assigned material categories, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with production schedules.
Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing plans to prevent shortages or excess stock.
Analyze material usage trends and collaborate with planning teams to forecast requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day supplier communication.
Track supplier performance, delivery accuracy, and lead‑time adherence; escalate issues when necessary.
Support supplier qualification, audits, and corrective action processes.
Maintain accurate material master data, pricing, lead times, and supplier information.
Prepare reports on material availability, cost trends, and supply risks.
Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows and improve material flow efficiency.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to deliveries, quality issues, or invoice mismatches.
Coordinate with Quality, Production, and Logistics teams to address material‑related disruptions.
Assist in implementing sourcing strategies, cost‑reduction initiatives, and supplier improvement plans.
Provide analytical support for negotiations and supplier evaluations.
Act as backup for the Materials Manager during absences for routine operational decisions.