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Career Foundations Program Associate - Field Human Resources

Smithfield Foods
United States, North Carolina, Wilson
Sep 30, 2025

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING

As a Career Foundation Program Associate in Field Human Resources, you will partner with Smithfield's HR Field Operations leadership team and business partners, supporting a wide range of HR specialties in the field operations' space. You'll assist in the organization and analysis of metrics, project management of HR initiatives, and participation in continuous improvement programs. Your role will involve facilitating workplace investigations, maintaining positive labor/employee relations, and supporting DE&I initiatives. You'll love the dynamic environment and the opportunity to impact the people experience through cultural alignment, succession planning, and project management support.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Assist the site HR leader in driving the success of the HR department

  • Collect and analyze HR data for workforce planning and support OJT training initiatives

  • Support the maintenance and execution of DE&I initiatives and Affirmative Action Plan

  • Provide necessary resources to empower employees with knowledge and materials (FMLA, LOA, ADA, Workday resources, etc.)

  • Assist in providing position and performance guidance based on HR policies and collective bargaining agreements

  • Maintain Human Resource Information System records and compile reports

  • Partner with Talent Acquisition to manage requisitions and ensure compliance with employment regulations

  • Assist with job fairs, training workshops, labor relations, and payroll processing

  • Conduct basic workplace investigations under the guidance of the site HR leader

  • Support project management of HR initiatives and continuous improvement programs

PROGRAM DETAILS

This position is part of Smithfield's Career Foundation Program (CFP), a training program designed to provide recent college graduates with an opportunity to explore career options through function-specific rotations. The program is divided into tracks, each oriented towards a different part of the Company's operations. It provides CFP Associates with an opportunity to learn about an aspect of the Company's business while seeking a new position to launch a career with Smithfield. Company senior leaders, along with an assigned manager, mentor, and program manager, will provide guidance, training, and partnership throughout the CFP Associate's assigned rotations. The program is 18 to 24 months, depending on the rotational track the Associate enters.

CFP Associates are expected to contribute to the goals of each department to which they are assigned. They will assist in problem-solving, assume leadership roles for certain projects, help the department achieve both short and long-term objectives, and deliver high-level results that exceed expectations. The Career Foundation Program is designed for high-potential college/university graduates who can quickly adapt to new environments, show initiative, and take on increasingly complex project responsibilities.

The above 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.

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 Human Resources, Business Management, or related field; or currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation prior to the start date

  • Must possess a high level of professionalism

  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

  • High standards of accuracy

  • Travel up to 15-25% of the time. Periodic overnight travel required.

  • Currently authorized to work in the U.S.

  • Ability to work well with others in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

  • High level of organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning skills.

  • Knowledge of employment law practices

  • Previous Workday/HRM system experience

  • Bilingual in Spanish or another language, preferred.

  • Strong presentation skills

  • Strong self-motivation and organization skills

  • May be required to work long hours and weekends

  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working 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 but can be loud when in the production area.

  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

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.

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