Career Foundations Program Associate - Supply Chain

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is excited to offer a Career Foundation Program (CFP) Associate in Supply Chain in Suffolk, VA.

This immersive 18–24 month program provides recent graduates with rotations through distribution, logistics, transportation, and inventory management, enabling exposure to end-to-end supply chain operations and meaningful projects. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, analyze data to drive decisions, and contribute to process improvements that enhance productivity,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or related field; or enrolled with expected graduation prior to start date.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through multiple areas of the supply chain such as distribution, logistics, transportation, and inventory management.
• Learn how to manage product flow, order fulfillment, and delivery performance across the network.
• Support process improvements that enhance productivity, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges and meet customer expectations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in projects and take on increasing responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Maintain accurate reports, records, and documentation related to supply chain activities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field

Currently enrolled with anticipated graduation

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

SAP

Job description

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.

Your Opportunity As a Career Foundation Program (CFP) Associate in Supply Chain, you will gain exposure to a wide range of functions that support the movement of products from production to the customer.

This immersive program provides a unique opportunity to understand end-to-end supply chain operations while contributing to meaningful projects that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service. You’ll love the fast-paced environment, the variety of experiences, and the chance to make a tangible impact on our business.

What You’ll Do

• Rotate through multiple areas of the supply chain such as distribution, logistics, transportation, and inventory management.
• Learn how to manage product flow, order fulfillment, and delivery performance across the network.
• Support process improvements that enhance productivity, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges and meet customer expectations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in projects and take on increasing responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Maintain accurate reports, records, and documentation related to supply chain activities.

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 Supply Chain track typically lasts 18–24 months and provides Associates with broad exposure to supply chain functions across the company. CFP Associates receive guidance, training, and mentorship from senior leaders, an assigned manager, and the program manager throughout their rotations. The Career Foundation Program is designed for high-potential graduates who can quickly adapt to new environments, show initiative, and take on increasingly complex responsibilities.

What We’re Seeking

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or related field; or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation prior to start date.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel up to 15–25%, with periodic overnight stays required.
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Strong organizational planning and project management skills.
• Experience with SAP or other enterprise systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through academics, work, or extracurricular activities.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a team-oriented culture.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work environments may include plant, warehouse, and office settings. Conditions may involve exposure to varying temperatures, moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

EEO Information

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. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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. 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.