Career Foundation Program Associate

About the Role

The Career Foundation Program Associate - Information Technology 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. This position is within the IT Business Analyst track, focused on learning how technology enables operational success in Manufacturing. The program is 18 to 24 months, depending on the rotational track, and includes guidance, training, and partnership from company senior leaders, an assigned manager, and a program manager. Associates are expected to contribute to department goals, assume leadership roles for projects, and deliver high-level results.

Key Responsibilities

Business Analysis & IT Support

• Assist in gathering and documenting business requirements and system process flows.
• Translate business needs into functional IT specifications for manufacturing and engineering projects.
• Review current business processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Recommend innovative uses of existing software functionality to reduce manual effort.

System Implementation & Maintenance

• Assist in the functional configuration, modification, and testing of designated systems.
• Support the design, testing, and implementation of changes, enhancements, and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing applications and interfaces, proposing fixes as appropriate.
• Help prioritize system issues and maintain systems to support evolving business needs.

Collaboration & Deployment

• Serve as a liaison between Manufacturing, Engineering, IT Plant Systems, Finance, HR, etc., and other IT teams.
• Assist implementation teams in deploying new systems and operational processes.
• Develop and support training materials for end-users and management during deployments.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure and Security teams to plan site infrastructure for new equipment and processes.
• Travel to implementation sites, as needed, to assist with deployment and training.

Innovation & Continuous Learning

• Develop and maintain knowledge of new technology and innovation in the Manufacturing and Automation space.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including onboarding acquisitions, cost-saving projects, and system standardization efforts.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field degree.
• Strong interest in technology, manufacturing processes, and business analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with project management or ERP systems is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• High level of professionalism and ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Travel up to 10% of the time, with periodic overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; or currently enrolled with anticipated graduation prior to start date.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Prior experience or internship in IT, systems support, or business analysis.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments or supply chain systems.
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work across business and technical teams.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to learn quickly.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Able to travel as needed.