Are you a recent graduate eager to kickstart a meaningful career in the food industry? Smithfield Foods, a leading American food company renowned for its packaged meats and fresh pork products, invites you to explore exceptional opportunities through our Smithfield Career Foundation Program. This program is meticulously designed to cultivate future leaders and offers a robust platform for recent college graduates to gain invaluable experience and build lasting careers within our dynamic organization. If you are motivated, driven, and ready to make a significant impact, your journey starts here – apply now and seize this incredible opportunity to grow with Smithfield Foods.
Your Opportunity at Smithfield Foods: Benefits and Growth
At Smithfield Foods, we recognize and reward the dedication of our team members. We offer industry-competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future. As a Smithfield team member, you’ll be eligible for:
- Competitive Pay: We offer salaries that recognize your skills and contribution.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access to top-tier health insurance, retirement plans, and much more to secure your financial and personal well-being.
- Education Benefits: From your very first day, both full-time and part-time team members can take advantage of education benefits to further their personal and professional development.
- Relocation Assistance: Ready for a change of scenery? We provide relocation assistance packages to help you move and settle into your new role seamlessly. Ask us about the details!
Start Date: July 21st, 2025
Discover the Smithfield Career Foundation Program: Shape Your Future
The Smithfield Career Foundation Program (CFP) is a unique rotational program crafted for ambitious recent college graduates like you. It’s your gateway to explore diverse career paths within Smithfield Foods. Through function-specific rotations, you’ll gain hands-on experience across various facets of our operations, allowing you to discover your passions and strengths while contributing to a leading food company.
This program isn’t just about rotations; it’s about mentorship and growth. You’ll be guided by Smithfield’s senior leaders, alongside a dedicated manager, mentor, and program manager. They will provide invaluable guidance, training, and partnership throughout your rotations, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive. Rotations typically range from 18 to 24 months, depending on your chosen track, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in different areas of the business.
Program Tracks: Explore Diverse Functional Areas
The CFP offers a variety of tracks aligned with key functional areas within Smithfield Foods. This allows you to focus your development in areas that match your interests and career aspirations. Explore tracks such as:
- Business
- Commodities
- Corporate – Finance
- Demand Planning
- Distribution
- Field HR
- Fresh Sales
- Grain Procurement
- Hog Procurement
- Industrial Engineering
- IT Engineering
- Marketing
- Operations
- Operations – Finance
- Procurement
- Transformation
- Transportation
What to Expect as a CFP Associate: Contribute and Lead
As a CFP Associate, you’re not just observing; you are actively contributing to the success of each department you rotate through. You will be expected to:
- Assist in problem-solving initiatives.
- Take on leadership roles in specific projects.
- Support departments in achieving both short-term and long-term objectives.
- Deliver high-level results that consistently exceed expectations.
The Career Foundation Program is designed for high-potential individuals who are adaptable, proactive, and ready to embrace increasing levels of responsibility. We are looking for graduates who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow into future leaders at Smithfield Foods.
Career Progression within the CFP: Chart Your Path
After 12 months in the program, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for open positions within Smithfield Foods that align with your skills and career goals. While continuing your rotations, you can actively seek your next permanent role within the company. Smithfield Foods is committed to merit-based selections, ensuring that your skills and contributions are recognized. While a new position is highly probable, it is not guaranteed, encouraging you to strive for excellence throughout your program experience. Throughout your rotations and internal job search, you’ll receive continuous guidance and career counseling from your mentors, managers, and Talent Acquisition Specialists, ensuring you are well-supported in your career journey at Smithfield.
Important Note: Successful candidates must provide proof of graduation before their program start date.
Qualifications for the Career Foundation Program: Is This You?
To excel in the Smithfield Career Foundation Program, candidates should possess the following qualifications:
- Educational Background: A Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university is required. Current students anticipating graduation by the end of the current semester are also encouraged to apply.
- Relocation Flexibility: Be willing and able to relocate one to two times during the rotation period as program tracks may require diverse geographical experiences.
- Professionalism and Self-Management: Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to effectively manage your time, especially when working from remote locations.
- Communication Skills: Possess excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively collaborate and contribute in a team environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to handle various tasks and projects efficiently.
- Travel Capability: Be prepared for travel up to 15-25% of the time, including periodic overnight travel, depending on the specific rotational track.
- Work Authorization: Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S.
- Valid Driver’s License: Hold a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, which may be required depending on the rotational track.
- Teamwork and Adaptability: Exhibit the ability to work effectively with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating respect, approachability, and a team-oriented mindset while fostering strong working relationships and a positive work atmosphere.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: What to Expect Daily
The Smithfield Career Foundation Program offers a diverse work environment, blending office settings with facility and laboratory experiences. You should be prepared for:
- Varied Environments: Work in office, facility, and laboratory settings, which may involve physical activities such as lifting, stretching, bending, reaching, walking, climbing, and travel by car and aircraft.
- Plant Environment Exposure: While the majority of your time will be in an office setting outside of production plants, plant environments may include wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures (non-weather related), proximity to moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
- Moderate to Loud Noise Levels: The noise level is generally moderate in office environments but can be loud in production areas.
- Physical Requirements: Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to sit, use hands, and communicate verbally and audibly.
Join Smithfield Foods – Apply Today! Your Future Awaits
Are you ready to launch your career with a leading food company and a program designed for your success? Apply now for the Smithfield Career Foundation Program and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career at Smithfield Foods!
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Relocation Package Available: Yes
Eligible For Company Vehicle: 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.
