Smithfield Foods

Associate Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

Smithfield Foods$75K — $110K *
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field and 3+ years of experience, or equivalent education and experience.
  • Experience in a leadership role, providing training or managing projects.
  • Understanding of procurement practices and exposure to contract negotiations.
  • Strong analytical skills coupled with effective written and verbal communication.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP or similar ERP systems experience is preferred.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects.
  • Capable of prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment and willing to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in executing sourcing strategies and supplier selection processes.
  • Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities.
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure procurement aligns with operational needs.
  • Monitor cost reduction initiatives and prepare performance reports.
  • Support contract negotiations and document management activities.
  • Facilitate communication with suppliers and address performance issues.
  • Collaborate on improving procurement processes and data accuracy.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive total rewards package.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
  • Collaborative work environment that emphasizes cross-functional teamwork.
  • Supportive culture that values employee leadership and development.
Full Job Description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As an Associate Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will support the development and execution of sourcing strategies across key spend categories. Working closely with cross-functional teams and senior sourcing leaders, you'll assist in optimizing costs, maintaining supplier performance, and enhancing operational efficiency. This role blends tactical procurement execution with collaborative project support to help advance Smithfield’s sourcing initiatives.

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.

  • Support Category Strategy Execution: Assist in implementing sourcing strategies and supplier selection processes under the guidance of senior sourcing managers.

  • Conduct Supplier Research & Analysis: Help identify potential suppliers and perform market research to evaluate pricing, quality, and capabilities.

  • Coordinate Cross-Functional Activities: Partner with internal teams to gather requirements and ensure procurement efforts are aligned with operational needs.

  • Track and Report Cost-Saving Projects: Monitor ongoing cost reduction initiatives and prepare reports to highlight savings and performance metrics.

  • Participate in Contract Management: Provide support during contract negotiations, review draft agreements, and ensure proper documentation.

  • Maintain Supplier Relationships: Assist with supplier communications and help resolve basic performance or compliance issues.

  • Collaborate on Process Improvements: Work with teams to improve procurement processes, data accuracy, and sourcing documentation.

  • Leadership: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

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: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 3+ years or relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

  • Leadership: Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project.

  • Procurement Knowledge: Understanding of basic sourcing practices and procurement processes. Exposure to contract terms and supplier negotiations is a plus.

  • Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong analytical abilities paired with clear and professional written/verbal communication.

  • Tech Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.

  • Team Collaboration: Comfortable working in cross-functional teams and supporting multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Work Environment: Able to manage priorities in a fast-paced setting and willing to travel up to 10%.

The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 - $110,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of thesalary or hourly wagethe company reasonably expects to pay for a positionat the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidates qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available No

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a meat processing company that produces and markets a variety of fresh and packaged meats. The company was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield Foods operates in the United States and internationally, and its products are sold under a number of well-known brands. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Smithfield Foods is a subsidiary of WH Group, a Chinese meat processing company.
Learn more about Smithfield Foods
Size
54,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1936

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