Materials Planner

Smithfield Foods is committed to sustainably feeding people worldwide while respecting our people, animals, communities, and planet. We offer challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute, and make a real impact.

As a Materials Planner, you will drive strategic sourcing decisions and balance internal and external raw material procurement. You will plan production capacity, manage inventory across manufacturing facilities and third‑party distribution centers, and serve as the key liaison for supply‑chain improvement projects.

• Develop master schedules, product replenishment plans, and inventory management metrics using planning software and departmental processes.
• Identify actions, leverage resources, and resolve supply‑planning issues to improve efficiency.
• Own and manage the stock transport order (STO) lifecycle from creation to closure.
• Optimize inventory levels at distribution centers and plants through stocking policies, seasonal builds, and coordinated storage strategies.
• Work to decrease inventory alert levels and reduce inventory distress sales across assigned product categories.
• Make strategic sourcing decisions and ensure the optimal balance between internal and external raw material procurement.
• Coordinate with internal and external suppliers to guarantee timely deliveries and sufficient quantities.
• Execute freeze/thaw strategies across the network to create supply buffers that manage demand fluctuations and seasonality.
• Lead the enforcement and utilization of capacity‑planning models for assigned product categories.
• Provide strategic direction regarding capacity availability and limitations for existing and new production.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream business partners to strengthen processes and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Own the resolution of key shortage issues and communicate solutions to upper management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• At least 2+years of relevant experience in supply chain, operations, planning, and inventory control.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work well under pressure with limited supervision and make value‑based decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective interaction with all levels of management and a team‑oriented approach.
• Respectful, approachable, and capable of building positive work relationships.

• Experience in purchasing, customer service, demand planning, or logistics.
• Consumer Packaged Goods industry experience.
• APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP).
• Experience with planning software and SAP.

Capable of sitting for extended periods, able to lift up to 15lb at times, and frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Occasional travel may be required.

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 veteran status, or disability status. For assistance with reasonable accommodation, please call 757‑357‑1595.