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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. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Are you ready to take on a pivotal role at the heart of plant operations? As our Plant Scheduling Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind seamless production, ensuring that every ingredient, package, and material arrives on time to keep our facility running at peak performance. You will shape the daily and weekly production schedules that keep our operations on track, and making strategic recommendations that safeguard the uninterrupted flow of materials. With your oversight, the plant will operate with precision, efficiency, and confidence—delivering results that directly impact our success.
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.
Leadership & Supervision – You will provide guidance to employees in Purchasing, Scheduling, and Shipping, carrying out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, and resolving employee concerns in alignment with organizational policies and applicable laws.
Procurement & Supplier Management – You will oversee purchasing and supplier relationships to ensure a seamless flow of materials, while managing negotiations, supplier challenges, and strategic sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
Process Improvement & Efficiency – You will lead continuous improvement projects focused on simplifying processes, reducing non‑value‑add activities, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
Production Scheduling & Inventory Control – You will develop and manage production schedules, forecasts, and inventory rotations to maintain efficiency, compliance, and uninterrupted plant operations.
Logistics & Customer Fulfillment – You will coordinate logistics with the Shipping department to align sales orders, raw materials, and finished goods, ensuring timely delivery and 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.
Education & Experience – Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with an emphasis in Business, purchasing, materials management, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Leadership – 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or projects leadership, required.
Technical & Systems Expertise – Broad knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier relationship management, with proficiency in SAP (Production Planning, Material Management, Sales Distribution), ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
Communication & Collaboration Skills – Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including report writing and business correspondence, with demonstrated effectiveness in both team environments and independent work.
Leadership & Problem-Solving Abilities – Proven planning, organizational, and execution skills, combined with analytical reasoning, adaptability, interpersonal strengths, and technical capability.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Certifications & Systems Knowledge – P.M. or APICS certification preferred, with working knowledge of SAP as an asset.
Collaboration & Adaptability – Demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments while contributing to team success.
Workplace Culture & Relationships – Commitment to being respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented, fostering strong relationships and a positive work 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 moderate.
Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business, purchasing, materials management, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- 2+ years of team management, team development, or project leadership experience
- Knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier relationship management
- Proficiency with SAP, including Production Planning, Materials Management, and Sales and Distribution
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Planning, organizational, execution, analytical reasoning, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
- Project Management or APICS certification
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Smithfield Foods Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Smithfield Foods and has not been reviewed or approved by Smithfield Foods.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support stands out as a strong component of the package, with a 401(k) match repeatedly characterized as competitive. This element is portrayed as a meaningful contributor to overall total rewards beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare offerings are described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, prescription, disability, and life coverage. Insurance quality is often positioned as a notable strength relative to other parts of the employment experience.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is frequently framed as competitive for the industry, particularly for skilled trades and certain salaried roles. Overtime availability is depicted as a major lever that can materially increase take-home pay in many settings.
Smithfield Foods Insights
What We Do
Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. 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.
