Career Foundation Program Associate - Information Technology

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Be Well programs

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Career Foundation Program Associate – IT Business Analyst in Smithfield, VA. The role blends business analysis with IT support to deliver enterprise-wide technology solutions and improve processes across manufacturing and engineering projects.

The 18–24 month CFP track emphasizes collaboration with Corporate and Field functions, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Requires a four-year degree or active enrollment and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, CS, engineering, or related field; or enrollment with anticipated graduation.
• Strong interest in technology, manufacturing processes, and business analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Travel up to 10% of the time; ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Gather and document business requirements and system process flows.
• Translate business needs into functional IT specifications for projects.
• Review current processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Assist in configuring, modifying, and testing designated systems.
• Support design, testing, and deployment of changes and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing applications and interfaces and propose fixes.
• Collaborate with multiple IT and business teams during deployments.
• Develop and maintain training materials for end-users and management.
• Contribute to onboarding acquisitions and cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Business Analysis

IT Support

Requirements Gathering

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

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

• Capable of sitting for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Able to travel as needed

The expected pay range for this position is $21.63 - $31.25 per hour.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. “Good food. Responsibly.®” is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

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. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.

Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.

We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.