Production Associate V - Warehouse Operations Lead Operator

Smithfield Foods•Junction City, KS

About The Position

The Warehouse Operations Lead is an advanced hourly role supporting day-to-day production warehouse operations for packaging and manufacturing materials. The role coordinates tasks with other hourly associates to ensure materials are accurately received, stored, issued, and transacted to support production. It supports inventory accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance, and maintains a dotted-line working relationship with the Corporate Buyer for purchasing, inventory, and supplier-related activities. The position coordinates material staging, issuing, returns, and organization in line with production schedules; performs and verifies SAP transactions; monitors ingredient and packaging inventory, FIFO, lot control, and storage practices; and maintains inventory logs, shortage trackers, audit documentation, and daily activity reports using Excel and approved tools. It also conducts warehouse audits, supports receiving and inspection requirements, documents and escalates discrepancies, and helps maintain safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The role may involve work in refrigerated, frozen, or ambient conditions and flexibility to support production schedules, including weekends or overtime.

Requirements

Production warehouse experience in a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of SAP inventory transactions and purchase order receipts.
Strong Excel skills for tracking, auditing, and reporting.
Knowledge of ingredient and packaging material control, FIFO, and lot traceability.
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Effective communication and issue escalation skills.
Ability to perform essential warehouse functions, including lifting, standing, walking, and PIT operation.
Ability to work in refrigerated, frozen, or ambient environments as required.
Flexibility to support production schedules, including weekends or overtime.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food manufacturing or a regulated environment.
Familiarity with audit, traceability, and recall readiness requirements.
Forklift/PIT certification or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily production warehouse tasks for packaging and manufacturing materials so production lines are supplied accurately and on time.
Stage, issue, return, and organize materials in alignment with production schedules.
Perform and verify SAP transactions, including purchase order receipts, inventory movements, material issues, reversals, and adjustments.
Monitor ingredient and packaging material inventory, material flow, FIFO, lot control, and proper storage practices from receiving through production use and return.
Maintain inventory logs, shortage trackers, audit documentation, and daily warehouse activity reports using Microsoft Excel and approved tracking tools.
Identify and research discrepancies and escalate them to the management team for resolution.
Conduct routine warehouse audits covering inventory and location accuracy, FIFO compliance, lot traceability, housekeeping, and documentation; record findings and follow them through to closure.
Verify incoming materials against purchase orders, coordinate inspection or QA requirements, ensure correct labeling and storage, and complete accurate SAP purchase order receipts.
Support purchasing activities, inventory visibility, supplier coordination, and resolution of receiving or material discrepancies in collaboration with the Corporate Buyer.
Model safe behaviors, reinforce PPE and equipment standards, and support readiness for internal, customer, and regulatory inspections.