Associate Hog Buyer

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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.

The Associate Area Hog Buyer sources top-quality livestock from trusted suppliers, coordinating seamless deliveries and schedules for the plant. They track and report purchases, while actively scouting new suppliers and building strong relationships with current producers and industry leaders. Their role drives efficiency and strengthens key partnerships.

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.

• Purchases and Scheduling: Purchases and schedules the targeted number of high-quality market pigs for each designated facility using pricing tools and parameters set by the procurement team.
• Market Analysis and Supplier Relations: Understands and interprets market conditions for procuring hogs from suppliers, leveraging technology to identify opportunities for producers to improve their operations. Maintains professional relationships with suppliers, providing feedback based on data gathered from plant databases. Cultivates long-term business relationships with current and prospective suppliers.
• Supplier Engagement: Meets with suppliers at their locations to understand their needs and identify potential changes. Supports databases with updated supplier information, production knowledge, and competitor analysis as necessary.
• Compliance and Reporting: Communicates and promotes plant-specific and regulatory compliance requirements to suppliers and truckers. Accurately reports all purchase information to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Market Trends and Competitor Insights: Tracks and communicates competitor insights, market trends, and emerging issues in a timely manner. Stays current, knowledgeable, and proactive in completing required training.
• Brand Representation: Represents the Company Brand in all interactions with management, producers, and strategic industry partners.

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.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in animal science, agricultural business, agricultural economics, economics, business or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Transport Quality Assurance-Advisor and/or Pork Quality Assurance-Certification preferred.
• Prior knowledge of the pork or food industry preferred.
• USDA bondable.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Must be able to travel 10% or more of the time

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Economic and math skills, and the ability to analyze information and data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong business and negotiating skills.
• Independent decision-making abilities.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Support the efforts of Management in training and mentoring new team members as needed.

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 can be loud when in the production area.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The expected pay range for this position is $50,000 - $70,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at 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 candidate’s 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

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.