Career Foundation Program Associate - Information Technology

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Career Foundation Program Associate - IT Business Analyst to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of business and technology. You will collaborate with Corporate and Field functions, IT leaders, and project teams to deliver technology solutions, document processes, and support enterprise-wide initiatives.

You will learn through function-specific rotations, partner with managers and mentors, and contribute to efficiency, cost savings, and system improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation prior to start date
• Strong interest in technology, manufacturing processes, and business analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with project management or ERP systems a plus
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High level of professionalism and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Travel up to 10% of the time, with periodic overnight travel required
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Assist in gathering and documenting business requirements and system process flows
• Translate business needs into functional IT specifications for manufacturing and engineering projects
• Review current business processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency improvements
• Recommend innovative uses of existing software functionality to reduce manual effort
• Assist in the functional configuration, modification, and testing of designated systems
• Support the design, testing, and implementation of changes, enhancements, and upgrades
• Troubleshoot manufacturing applications and interfaces, proposing fixes as appropriate
• Help prioritize system issues and maintain systems to support evolving business needs
• Serve as a liaison between Manufacturing, Engineering, IT Plant Systems, Finance, HR, etc. and other IT teams
• Assist implementation teams in deploying new systems and operational processes
• Develop and support training materials for end-users and management during deployments
• Collaborate with Infrastructure, and Security teams to plan site infrastructure for new equipment and processes
• Travel to implementation sites, as needed, to assist with deployment and training
• Develop and maintain knowledge of new technology and innovation in the Manufacturing and Automation space
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including onboarding acquisitions, cost-saving projects, and system standardization efforts

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Systems/Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP familiarity

ERP systems

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING

As a Career Foundation Program Associate - IT Business Analyst , you will gain hands‑on experience at the intersection of business and technology. This is your chance to collaborate with Corporate and Field functions, as well as IT leaders to deliver innovative technology solutions, improve processes, and support enterprise‑wide initiatives. You'll build strong partnerships across business and technical teams while helping Smithfield maximize its investment in technology.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Business Analysis & IT Support

• Assist in gathering and documenting business requirements and system process flows
• Translate business needs into functional IT specifications for manufacturing and engineering projects
• Review current business processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency improvements
• Recommend innovative uses of existing software functionality to reduce manual effort

System Implementation & Maintenance

• Assist in the functional configuration, modification, and testing of designated systems
• Support the design, testing, and implementation of changes, enhancements, and upgrades
• Troubleshoot manufacturing applications and interfaces, proposing fixes as appropriate
• Help prioritize system issues and maintain systems to support evolving business needs

Collaboration & Deployment

• Serve as a liaison between Manufacturing, Engineering, IT Plant Systems, Finance, HR, etc. and other IT teams
• Assist implementation teams in deploying new systems and operational processes
• Develop and support training materials for end-users and management during deployments
• Collaborate with Infrastructure, and Security teams to plan site infrastructure for new equipment and processes
• Travel to implementation sites, as needed, to assist with deployment and training

Innovation & Continuous Learning

• Develop and maintain knowledge of new technology and innovation in the Manufacturing and Automation space
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including onboarding acquisitions, cost‑saving projects, and system standardization efforts

PROGRAM DETAILS

This position is part of Smithfield's Career Foundation Program (CFP), a training program designed to provide recent college graduates with an opportunity to explore career options through function‑specific rotations. The program is divided into tracks, each oriented toward a different part of the Company's operations. CFP Associates in the IT Business Analyst track will learn how technology enables operational success in Manufacturing while supporting projects that impact efficiency, cost savings, and system improvements. Company senior leaders, along with an assigned manager, mentor, and program manager, will provide guidance, training, and partnership throughout the program. The program is 18 to 24 months, depending on the rotational track. CFP Associates are expected to contribute to the goals of each department, assume leadership roles for certain projects, and deliver high‑level results that exceed expectations.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation prior to start date
• Strong interest in technology, manufacturing processes, and business analysis
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with project management or ERP systems a plus
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills
• High level of professionalism and ability to work in fast‑paced, dynamic environments
• Travel up to 10% of the time, with periodic overnight travel required
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Prior experience or internship in IT, systems support, or business analysis
• Exposure to manufacturing environments or supply chain systems
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems
• Demonstrated ability to work across business and technical teams
• Strong self‑motivation and ability to learn quickly

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential funct