Plant Scheduling Manager

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp; Tar Heel (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Plant Scheduling Manager to drive production planning and ensure on-time delivery of ingredients, packages, and materials. You will shape daily and weekly schedules, align with procurement and logistics, and lead improvement initiatives to optimize plant performance.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field and 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with strong SAP/ERP and Microsoft Office skills. Relocation may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience leading teams or projects in a manufacturing/plant setting.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Purchasing, Scheduling, and Shipping teams, including interviewing and training.
• Oversee purchasing and supplier relationships to drive cost savings and value creation.
• Lead process improvements to reduce non-value-added activities and increase efficiency.
• Develop and manage production schedules, forecasts, and inventory rotations.
• Coordinate logistics with Shipping to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Purchasing / Materials Management

Tools

SAP

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

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. Are you ready to take on a pivotal role at the heart of plant operations? As our Plant Scheduling Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind seamless production, ensuring that every ingredient, package, and material arrives on time to keep our facility running at peak performance. You will shape the daily and weekly production schedules that keep our operations on track, and making strategic recommendations that safeguard the uninterrupted flow of materials. With your oversight, the plant will operate with precision, efficiency, and confidence—delivering results that directly impact our success.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Leadership & Supervision – You will provide guidance to employees in Purchasing, Scheduling, and Shipping, carrying out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, and resolving employee concerns in alignment with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Procurement & Supplier Management – You will oversee purchasing and supplier relationships to ensure a seamless flow of materials, while managing negotiations, supplier challenges, and strategic sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
• Process Improvement & Efficiency – You will lead continuous improvement projects focused on simplifying processes, reducing non‑value‑add activities, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
• Production Scheduling & Inventory Control – You will develop and manage production schedules, forecasts, and inventory rotations to maintain efficiency, compliance, and uninterrupted plant operations.
• Logistics & Customer Fulfillment – You will coordinate logistics with the Shipping department to align sales orders, raw materials, and finished goods, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• Education & Experience – Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with an emphasis in Business, purchasing, materials management, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Leadership – 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or projects leadership, required.
• Technical & Systems Expertise – Broad knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier relationship management, with proficiency in SAP (Production Planning, Material Management, Sales Distribution), ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Communication & Collaboration Skills – Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including report writing and business correspondence, with demonstrated effectiveness in both team environments and independent work.
• Leadership & Problem‑Solving Abilities – Proven planning, organizational, and execution skills, combined with analytical reasoning, adaptability, interpersonal strengths, and technical capability.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Certifications & Systems Knowledge – P.M. or APICS certification preferred, with working knowledge of SAP as an asset.
• Collaboration & Adaptability – Demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments while contributing to team success.
• Workplace Culture & Relationships – Commitment to being respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented, fostering strong relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Relocation Package Available Yes

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. 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.