Master Data Manager

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Master Data Manager to lead data excellence across the enterprise, shaping governance, policy, and standards. You will partner with cross-functional teams to embed data quality and regulatory compliance into business operations and drive digital transformation through SAP PLM/MDG and related platforms.

You will manage a team, oversee data creation and maintenance, enforce SOX controls, and document processes while guiding the organization toward standardized,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 5+ years relevant experience or equivalent
• 2+ years of team management or project leadership
• Advanced Excel and MS Office; working knowledge of SAP master data processes and data governance
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work cross-functionally
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and collaborate in a team environment
• Adaptability and professionalism in a fast-paced setting
• Respectful, team-oriented culture focused on collaboration and excellence

Responsibilities

• Data Creation & Maintenance: lead the team to create/maintain master data per procedures and SLAs
• Data Governance: enforce SOX-compliant gatekeeper processes and data standards
• Data Resource: act as escalation point; guide data structures and workflows
• Data Initiatives: partner with teams to set up data for new requirements and SAP MDG implementation
• Data Documentation: maintain SOPs, forms, and process documentation for governance
• Leadership: drive positive employee experience through development and coaching

Skills

Data governance

Excel

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data quality

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

SAP MDG

SAP PLM

DSP/Data Stewardship Platform

1WorldSync

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.

The Value You’ll Bring

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

What You’ll Do

As the Master Data Manager, you will serve as Smithfield’s leading advocate for data excellence and governance. You’ll oversee the strategy, management, and governance of master data across the enterprise, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across all systems. In this role, you will establish and enforce policies, processes, and controls that promote data quality and compliance while partnering with cross-functional teams to embed sound data management practices into business operations. You will play a key leadership role in advancing Smithfield’s digital transformation efforts including future-state master data capabilities supporting SAP PLM, SAP MDG, and other enterprise platforms, by aligning master data management initiatives with business goals, driving standardization, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization.

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Data Creation & Maintenance: Lead the team in executing master data creation and maintenance according to established procedures, templates, and service level objectives, prioritise workload, delegate effectively, and identify opportunities to streamline maintenance and improve efficiencyand support future-state data workflows across enterprise platforms.
• Data Governance: Enforce gatekeeper processes to ensure SOX compliance and uphold master data standards by validating, cleansing, and normalizing data; monitor reports for inconsistencies, conduct audits, and implement methods to continuously improve data accuracy and consistencyand governance readiness for SAP PLM and MDG-enabled processes.
• Data Resource: Serve as a master data subject matter expert and escalation point, guiding the business on data structures, dependencies, lifecycle data, and workflows; troubleshoot issues in collaboration with technical teams and direct ad hoc reporting and automation initiatives.
• Data Initiatives: Partner with business and technical teams to define and implement data setup for new requirements, process improvements, and business rule changes and SAP PLM/MDG implementation activities; oversee testing and implementation while ensuring adherence to timelines.
• Data Documentation: Ensure accurate documentation of master data activities, projects, and compliance records, business rules, and process workflows; maintain and improve standard operating procedures, user request forms, and related documentation to support consistency, transparency, and future-state governance processes.
• Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

What We’re Seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Leadership: 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with the ability to analyze and manage large data sets effectively; working knowledge of SAP master data processes, data quality controls, and enterprise data governance concepts preferred.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and work cross-functionally.
• Teamwork: Proven success leading and developing high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and accountable environment.
• Adaptability & Professionalism: Demonstrates flexibility in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong work ethic, integrity, and professional demeanor.
• Cultural Fit: Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented, committed to fostering positive relationships and promoting a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• SAP experience is preferred, including exposure to SAP PLM, SAP MDG, DSP/Data Stewardship Platform, 1WorldSync, or similar master data governance and product lifecycle tools.

Relocation Package Available No

The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 - $110,000 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.

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.