Purchasing Clerk

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp; Milan (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Clerk to manage inventory reporting, process plant purchase orders, and liaise with vendors to ensure timely deliveries.

The successful candidate will handle requisitions, maintain tracking systems, and support the purchasing department, contributing to efficient supply chain operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• APICS Certification preferred.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Knowledge of UNIX/SAP and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Take charge of inventory reports to ensure supplies are in stock.
• Open and enter Plant Purchase Orders to support receiving and billing.
• Coordinate with vendors to resolve order issues and track deliveries.
• Tackle special projects to improve processes and drive results.

Skills

High school diploma/GED

Bi-lingual

Excellent written communication

Ability to work in fast-paced env

Education

GED/High School Diploma

APICS Certification (preferred)

Tools

UNIX

SAP

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. In this vital role, you'll manage the clerical and administrative heartbeat of the purchasing department, including support for the maintenance team. You'll be the go-to person for processing requisitions, creating and distributing purchase orders, and maintaining a detailed tracking system that keeps everything organized and on schedule. Plus, you'll build strong relationships with vendors by managing communications and ensuring orders move seamlessly from request to delivery. If you're organized, proactive, and ready to keep our supply chain flowing, this role is made for you!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Take charge of inventory control by running accurate reports and ensuring essential paper supplies are always in stock - keeping the operation smooth and uninterrupted.
• Manage Plant Purchase Orders by opening and entering them promptly to support the receiving and billing teams, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Partner with vendors to resolve order issues, whether it's fixing pricing errors, verifying invoices, tracking deliveries, or securing proof of delivery - your follow-up keeps everything on track.
• Dive into new and special projects assigned by your manager, bringing your problem-solving skills and initiative to help improve processes and drive results.

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.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required.
• APICS Certification is preferred.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Knowledge of UNIX application (SAP), the Internet and Microsoft Office software, e.g. Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Experience in purchasing/parts room inventory/vendor relations, preferred.
• Bi-lingual preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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. Occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Relocation Package Available

No 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.

Benefits

• 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 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.