Career Foundations Program Associate - Operations Finance - Des Moines, IA

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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 Operations Finance , you will play a vital role in tracking daily yields and labor for the plant, providing insights to improve operations, and performing inventory analysis. You'll gain comprehensive exposure to every operation in the plant through a staged program and develop expertise in financial reporting and plant management. Your contributions will ensure accurate cost reflection for our products and support the general manager in running the plant effectively. You'll love the dynamic environment and the opportunity to work on impactful projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Track daily yields and labor for the plant

Provide insights into areas for operational improvement

Perform inventory analysis and capital project tracking

Manage accounts payable and accurately reflect production costs

Partner with the general manager to run the plant effectively

Gain full exposure to every operation in the plant through a staged program, learning about yield and labor reporting

Participate in the overall plant management meeting structure

Work on special projects to gather and present information to management

Support training to prepare for the next level in your career

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.

This employee will start on June 22nd, 2026 .

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions .

B achelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, 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 initiative and ability to manage multiple projects

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.

Experienced in the use of SAP

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 and talk or hear

Relocation Package Available

Yes

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.