Corporate Buyer

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Benefits package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Smithfield, Virginia, is looking for a Corporate Buyer to optimize the purchase of packaging, ingredients and operating supplies while improving price, delivery and terms across our facilities.

You will support supply chain functions, including SAP data governance, MRP, DSP, and direct store delivery alignment, collaborating with Marketing, R&D and suppliers to meet business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2+ years of related experience.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and business software.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Support supply chain activities including S&OP alignment and logistics.
• Assist in sourcing, supplier validation, and contracts.
• Manage packaging and ingredients procurement with cost/terms optimization.
• Lead cross‑functional meetings and communicate outcomes.
• Maintain accuracy of product playbooks and SAP data.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SAP

MRP

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:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a Corporate Buyer, you will play a key role in facilitating the distribution of our products to customers and consumers. You will support various supply chain functions, including analyzing production metrics to align with market needs in Supply & Demand Planning, managing product transportation through Logistics, and contributing to Direct Store Delivery to ensure shelves are stocked. You will be responsible for purchasing packaging, ingredients, and operating supplies in accordance with established policies, while optimizing price, delivery, and terms to support operational efficiency and compliance.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Participate in Strategic Planning: Regularly attend Marketing meetings and provide input on business strategy.
• Make Informed Business Decisions: Demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions that ensure operations are not adversely affected.
• Manage Product Line Needs: Oversee the day‑to‑day requirements of a product line used across multiple facilities.
• Control Redundant and Obsolete Materials: Monitor and follow up on excess and outdated materials to maintain inventory efficiency.
• Support Sourcing Activities: As a member of the sourcing group, validate necessary information, implement new suppliers, lead sourcing events, and serve as a liaison between facilities and suppliers, including managing claims.
• Serve as SAP Gatekeeper: Act as the SAP Gatekeeper for Ingredients and Packaging, and provide facility support for SAP, DSP (Data Stewardship Platform), MRP (Material Requirement Planning), and Packaging inquiries.
• Maintain Product Playbooks: Manage and build Playbooks to reflect items purchased for the Lunch Maker product line.
• Collaborate on Product Development: Attend cross‑functional meetings to assist Marketing and R&D in the development and implementation of new products or product changes.
• Facilitate Communication: Lead weekly calls, publish meeting recaps, and follow up on action items as needed.
• Analyze Inventory Performance: Prepare and analyze monthly inventory turn reports to support continuous improvement at plant locations.
• Manage Packaging Projects: Lead and coordinate projects related to all components of packaging and associated services.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Communication Skills: Capable of communicating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and verbal formats.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or MRP (Material Requirement Planning) systems, and general business software.
• Organizational Skills: Strong planning, organization, and execution abilities.
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated strength in negotiating with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Workplace Culture: Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented while building strong working relationships and contributing to a positive work environment.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

C.P.M., A.P.P. or APICS certification preferred.

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $82,500 annually. 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. Relocation Package Available

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 in Smithfield, 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 across 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.