Materials Buyer

When you join Smithfield, you become part of 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 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.

About the role

The Materials Buyer is responsible for coordinating, executing, and optimizing the procurement of materials required to support uninterrupted production. The Materials Buyer supports the Materials Manager by contributing to sourcing initiatives, resolving supply issues, and maintaining strong supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Planning
  • 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.
• Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day supplier communication.
  • Track supplier performance, delivery accuracy, and lead-time adherence; escalate issues when necessary.
  • Support supplier qualification, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Data & Process Management
  • 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.
• Issue Resolution
  • Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to deliveries, quality issues, or invoice mismatches.
  • Coordinate with Quality, Production, and Logistics teams to address material-related disruptions.
• Support to Materials Manager
  • 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.

Requirements

• 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 of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good planning, organizational, and execution skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and established goals and objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Skills

• Prior SAP experience, preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Able to travel as needed.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $82,500 annually. 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 candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions, and budget considerations.

Benefits

At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.