Strategic Materials Buyer — Procurement & Supplier Lead

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Materials Buyer to coordinate, execute, and optimize procurement of materials for uninterrupted production. You will support sourcing initiatives, maintain supplier performance, and manage material master data.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree with 2+ years in procurement or materials management, strong Excel, and excellent communication. Travel up to 25% may be required as part of supplier coordination across production locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Strong knowledge Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good planning, organizational and execution skills.
• Able to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders for assigned material categories, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with production schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing plans to prevent shortages or excess stock.
• Analyze material usage trends and collaborate with planning teams to forecast requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day supplier communication.
• Track supplier performance, delivery accuracy, and lead‑time adherence; upscale issues when necessary.
• Support supplier qualification, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Maintain accurate material master data, pricing, lead times, and supplier information.
• Prepare reports on material availability, cost trends, and supply risks.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows and improve material flow efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to deliveries, quality issues, or invoice mismatches.
• Coordinate with Quality, Production, and Logistics teams to address material‑related disruptions.
• Assist in implementing sourcing strategies, cost‑reduction initiatives, and supplier improvement plans.
• Provide analytical support for negotiations and supplier evaluations.
• Act as backup for the Materials Manager during absences for routine operational decisions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Forecasting/planning

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Materials Buyer to coordinate, execute, and optimize procurement of materials for uninterrupted production. You will support sourcing initiatives, maintain supplier performance, and manage material master data.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree with 2+ years in procurement or materials management, strong Excel, and excellent communication. Travel up to 25% may be required as part of supplier coordination across production locations.