Production Scheduler

Smithfield Foods; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Kinston, NC is seeking a Production Scheduling Specialist to drive daily production plans with precision and speed. You will create schedules from the weekly supply plan, balance labor, and ensure SAP accuracy to meet product requirements.

Collaborate across departments, manage raw materials and finished goods, and communicate clearly to keep operations efficient and customers satisfied. Ability to work long hours in a fast-paced meat industry environment is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of related experience, or combination.
• Strong analytical and organizational capabilities for fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Create daily production schedules from the weekly supply plan, optimize labor efficiency, and leverage SAP for accuracy.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Technical Services, R&D, Supply Planning, and Business Management.
• Manage raw material availability, inventory rotation, stock transfers, and finished goods.
• Foster clear communication across teams to ensure smooth workflows and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Flexibility / long hours

Education

Bachelor's Degree from accredited four-year college/university

2+ years relevant work experience

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Order processing software

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.

You are the driving force behind the plant's production flow, ensuring every product is crafted with precision, speed, and excellence. With your strategic mindset and eye for detail, you create dynamic production schedules that seamlessly adapt to shifting priorities and demands. You take full control of raw material orders, balancing inventory to keep operations running smoothly while minimizing waste. By staying ahead of potential roadblocks, you quickly identify solutions to keep production on track and efficient. When it's time to make adjustments, you take charge, leading the way with clear communication to production teams and ensuring the process stays flawless. Your role is at the heart of operational excellence, delivering outstanding results and driving success every day.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Production Scheduling & Execution: You will create daily production schedules from the weekly supply plan, ensuring they align with product requirements, optimize labor efficiency, and leverage SAP for accuracy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will work closely with teams across Accounting, Technical Services, R&D, Supply Planning, and Business Management to drive new product development and seamless implementation.
• Inventory & Material Management: You will manage raw material availability, inventory rotation, stock transfers, and finished goods to keep operations efficient and products meeting quality standards.
• Communication & Customer Focus: You will foster clear communication across teams to ensure smooth workflows, precise production, and outstanding 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.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years relevant work experience; or a combination of education and experience, required.

Analytical & Organizational Expertise: Strong analytical, organizational, and technical skills, with the ability to forecast, act quickly, and maintain accuracy in fast-paced environments.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Industry Experience & Technical Skills: Preferred experience in the meat or food industry, with excellent working knowledge of SAP (Production Planning, Material Management, and Sales Distribution) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), as well as order processing software.
• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate and share information across teams.
• Flexibility & Work Ethic: Ability to work long hours and weekends when necessary, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced 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 loud when in the production area. Must be able to work in cramped spaces and in poor lighting and ventilation. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to a