Acquisition Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Acquisition Specialist jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where government contractors, financial services firms, and healthcare networks maintain steady hiring. Major employers with a lasting Iowa presence include Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The most in-demand specialties are contract administration, federal procurement, and real estate acquisition. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
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.
As an Associate Talent Acquisition Specialist, you'll be vital to our recruitment strategy, finding innovative and bold ways to attract top talent.
In this role, you'll partner closely with HR Managers and Hiring Managers to understand workforce needs and develop strategic approaches for building a pipeline of diverse and highly qualified candidates. As part of the Talent Acquisition team, you will play a key role in our mission to deliver an exceptional recruitment experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
This is your opportunity to make a real impact and recruit the future of talent at Smithfield Foods!
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.
Full-Cycle Recruitment: Manage the entire recruitment lifecycle for all functional areas across multiple locations simultaneously, ensuring efficient and effective hiring outcomes.
Candidate Experience: Ensure a smooth and engaging candidate experience through timely communication, clear feedback, and maintaining professionalism throughout the process.
Hiring Manager Experience: Collaborate with department leaders and HR teams, offering expert guidance and consultation on recruitment strategies and delivering exceptional support and service throughout the hiring process.
Talent Sourcing: Leverage various sourcing strategies to find and attract top talent. Proactively build and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates for current and future roles.
Diversity & Inclusion: Proactively source and engage diverse candidates and support the company’s goals to foster an inclusive workforce.
Labor Market Analyst: Research labor market trends to strategically align sourcing strategy with current industry conditions.
Business Acumen: Gain an understanding of various roles, including those in a corporate, farm and manufacturing environment, through job shadowing to improve hiring fit and reduce turnover.
Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and refine recruitment processes to enhance efficiency, reduce time-to-hire, and improve the candidate experience, while ensuring alignment with business goals and best practices.
Data Tracking and Reporting: Use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage candidates and provide regular recruitment updates and metrics to leadership. Maintain accurate and up-to-date recruitment records to meet regulatory standards.
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, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
Proficient in computer applications (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, attention to detail, initiative and sound judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Leverages emotional intelligence to build and foster relationships both internally and externally.
Excels in fast-paced, dynamic environments, maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented demeanor while cultivating a positive and collaborative work atmosphere.
Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.
Must possess a high level of professionalism, discretion and ability to handle sensitive information.
Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations (25% of the time). Some travel may be at short notice or require overnight stays. While traveling, must self-manage their time and daily tasks.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Experience in recruiting across all levels and functional areas.
Experience with passive candidate recruiting and utilizing creative sourcing strategies to attract high-quality talent such as indeed & LinkedIn
Strong knowledge of Federal, State, and employment regulations and policies.
Proficiency in using a server-based applicant tracking system (Workday preferred).
Proven experience working under recruiting KPIs, consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets.
Experience in handling administrative duties related to recruitment and compliance.
Prior experience recruiting for government contractors, including familiarity with relevant regulations and requirements.
Project management skills, with the ability to plan and manage multiple recruitment initiatives and deadlines simultaneously.
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.
See All 14 Acquisition Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Acquisition Specialist JobsAcquisition Specialist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Acquisition Specialist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in acquisition specialist jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, public administration, or a related field
- Experience with federal or state procurement regulations and contract lifecycle management
- Proficiency in procurement software such as SAP, Ariba, or similar platforms
- Strong negotiation skills and demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships
- Familiarity with Iowa state purchasing guidelines and competitive bidding procedures
- Certification such as CPPB or CPPO preferred by Iowa government and institutional employers
Acquisition Specialist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a acquisition specialist in Iowa?
Most acquisition specialist roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, supply chain, or a related field. No state-issued license is required for private-sector roles, but positions with Iowa state agencies often expect familiarity with Iowa's procurement code and competitive bidding rules. Earning a Certified Professional Public Buyer credential strengthens applications for government roles, and many Iowa employers also value experience with contract management or purchasing in a regulated environment.
Which companies hire acquisition specialists in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring acquisition specialists in Iowa include State Farm, Versova, and Smithfield Foods, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's mix of state government agencies, defense contractors, and large financial and healthcare institutions creates consistent demand for acquisition professionals at multiple experience levels.
Which Iowa cities have the most acquisition specialist jobs?
Des Moines, Sioux Center, and Iowa have the most acquisition specialist openings in Iowa. Des Moines dominates because of its concentration of state government offices, insurance headquarters, and financial services firms, while Cedar Rapids draws demand from aerospace manufacturing and regional corporate operations, and Davenport benefits from its role as a logistics and industrial hub in the Quad Cities corridor.
Are there remote acquisition specialist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and they are more common than in many fields because acquisition work is largely desk-based and document-driven. About 67% of acquisition specialist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the analytical and administrative nature of the role. Contract review, vendor sourcing, and procurement analysis are the functions most frequently performed fully remote.
How can I get hired as a acquisition specialist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for purchasing assistant or procurement technician roles at Iowa state agencies, county government offices, or large institutions such as the University of Iowa or Iowa State University, which regularly bring on junior staff. Lateral moves from roles in accounts payable, inventory control, or project coordination are common stepping stones. Completing coursework toward a CPPB credential and building a portfolio of contract documents or sourcing analyses gives candidates without direct experience a concrete edge in Iowa hiring.
Where can I find and apply to acquisition specialist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to acquisition specialist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location preference, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 14 Acquisition Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Acquisition Specialist Jobs