Plant Scheduling Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods seeks a Plant Scheduling Manager to drive production planning and ensure on-time material flow. You will shape daily and weekly schedules, oversee purchasing, scheduling, and shipping, and partner with cross-functional teams to maximize efficiency and plant uptime.

The role emphasizes leadership, continuous improvement, and strong SAP/ERP skills, with a focus on cost savings, inventory control, and reliable delivery to customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
• 2+ years of team management or project leadership.
• Proficiency in SAP (Production Planning, MM, SD), ERP/MRP systems, and MS Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with report writing experience.
• Experience in supplier relationship management and cost savings initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Purchasing, Scheduling, and Shipping teams, including interviewing, hiring, training, and performance management.
• Oversee purchasing and supplier relationships to ensure a seamless flow of materials and negotiate with suppliers.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to simplify processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Develop and manage production schedules, forecasts, and inventory rotations to maintain plant operations.
• Coordinate logistics with Shipping to align orders, raw materials, and finished goods for timely delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

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.

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

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.

• 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

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 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.