Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas
Assoc. Dir, Global Procurement & Sourcing - Valent BioSciences
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas, Libertyville, Illinois, United States, 60092
Overview
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Assoc. Dir, Global Procurement & Sourcing - Valent BioSciences
role at
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas . About Valent BioSciences LLC: Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability. Valent BioSciences LLC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical and adheres to the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, focusing on benefiting both self and others and recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. Summary
The Global Procurement & Sourcing Associate Director will lead and oversee global sourcing and procurement strategies for biological, active ingredients, and chemical inputs within the agribusiness division, plus indirect categories related to Agro and Health segments. This executive role requires managing international supplier networks, developing sustainable and cost-effective sourcing strategies, negotiating global contracts, and ensuring supply continuity across multiple regions. The role also focuses on driving innovation, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement in procurement operations. The role requires a proven leader who can shape long-term sourcing strategies, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and elevate procurement as a strategic business partner. Responsibilities
Global Sourcing & Strategy
Develop and execute global procurement strategies for biological and chemicals, active ingredients, raw materials, inert materials, and commodities. Develop a strong process for indirect category spend control, programs and real-time visibility driving better business performance and spend control. Drive sourcing expansion projects into new international markets, identifying best-in-class suppliers worldwide. Analyze global market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and cost drivers to anticipate risks and secure competitive advantage. Set global KPIs to monitor, control and measure area, business and supplier performance. Establish and lead a global procurement community across sister companies, developing unified processes and workflows to drive spend optimization and enhance compliance control.
Supplier & Contract Management
Lead strategic relationships with key international suppliers, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, sustainability standards, and regulatory compliance. Negotiate, draft, and manage global contracts, including long-term supply agreements, risk-sharing frameworks, and compliance terms. Leverage SAP Ariba and other procurement technologies to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance in global sourcing operations.
Cross-Cultural & Stakeholder Collaboration
Partner with R&D, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Finance, and Logistics across regions to support innovation and ensure uninterrupted supply. Collaborate effectively with suppliers from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, adapting negotiation and relationship strategies accordingly. Represent procurement leadership at global steering committees and executive forums.
Risk, Cost & Inventory Optimization
Implement strategies for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and working capital optimization. Monitor supply chain vulnerabilities and develop contingency plans to secure supply continuity across global regions. Work closely with the Company’s cost accounting manager to develop, measure and maintain standard costs that will serve as budget and the benchmark for purchase price variance analysis and reporting (PPVs).
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and inspire a multicultural team of procurement professionals across different geographies and affiliated companies. Set global KPIs, performance standards, and career development pathways. Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and innovative culture across the procurement organization.
Sustainability & Compliance
Ensure procurement practices align with global sustainability goals, ESH standards, and international regulatory requirements. Timely resolution of non-conformances and follow-up through corrective/preventive actions with supplier-related topics.
Experience & Qualifications
15 years of progressive procurement and sourcing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in global roles. Proven expertise in managing procurement of biological, active ingredients, chemical, raw materials, commodities, inert and indirect categories in the agribusiness sector. Track record of leading international sourcing expansion projects and managing multicultural supplier networks. Experience negotiating and administering global contracts. Proficiency with SAP Ariba and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar). Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with proven ability to engage senior stakeholders and external partners globally. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment; must be equal parts strategic and tactical. Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act quickly to solve problems. Able to effectively interface with all levels and departments within the organization. Preferred Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker with global market awareness and strong business acumen. Ability to navigate complex international supply markets and regulatory frameworks. Resilient leader, comfortable managing ambiguity and driving change. Culturally agile, collaborative, and inclusive leadership style. Passion for sustainability, innovation, and creating long-term supplier partnerships. Strong analytical skills, action and detail oriented. Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Chemistry, or related field. MBA or advanced degree needed. Proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Italian, French) strongly preferred. CPSM or/and CSCP, CPM, CPIM is a plus Proficient in Excel and the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to create and manage Power BI reports and dashboards. Travel: Could be up to 40%. Location: Biorational Headquarters in Libertyville, IL What We Offer
We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees. Base Salary:
The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from
$177,000 to $222,200 . Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Incentives:
All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary. Benefits High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions Financial assistance programs to support your goals Life and disability insurance for added security Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days Flexible work arrangements available Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future Valent Group of Companies is committed to sustainability and CSR as core parts of our culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world. Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status. Additional Job Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Chemical Manufacturing Note: Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas by 2x. Location specifics and nearby job postings may be included for candidate information.
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Join to apply for the
Assoc. Dir, Global Procurement & Sourcing - Valent BioSciences
role at
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas . About Valent BioSciences LLC: Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability. Valent BioSciences LLC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical and adheres to the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, focusing on benefiting both self and others and recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. Summary
The Global Procurement & Sourcing Associate Director will lead and oversee global sourcing and procurement strategies for biological, active ingredients, and chemical inputs within the agribusiness division, plus indirect categories related to Agro and Health segments. This executive role requires managing international supplier networks, developing sustainable and cost-effective sourcing strategies, negotiating global contracts, and ensuring supply continuity across multiple regions. The role also focuses on driving innovation, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement in procurement operations. The role requires a proven leader who can shape long-term sourcing strategies, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and elevate procurement as a strategic business partner. Responsibilities
Global Sourcing & Strategy
Develop and execute global procurement strategies for biological and chemicals, active ingredients, raw materials, inert materials, and commodities. Develop a strong process for indirect category spend control, programs and real-time visibility driving better business performance and spend control. Drive sourcing expansion projects into new international markets, identifying best-in-class suppliers worldwide. Analyze global market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and cost drivers to anticipate risks and secure competitive advantage. Set global KPIs to monitor, control and measure area, business and supplier performance. Establish and lead a global procurement community across sister companies, developing unified processes and workflows to drive spend optimization and enhance compliance control.
Supplier & Contract Management
Lead strategic relationships with key international suppliers, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, sustainability standards, and regulatory compliance. Negotiate, draft, and manage global contracts, including long-term supply agreements, risk-sharing frameworks, and compliance terms. Leverage SAP Ariba and other procurement technologies to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance in global sourcing operations.
Cross-Cultural & Stakeholder Collaboration
Partner with R&D, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Finance, and Logistics across regions to support innovation and ensure uninterrupted supply. Collaborate effectively with suppliers from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, adapting negotiation and relationship strategies accordingly. Represent procurement leadership at global steering committees and executive forums.
Risk, Cost & Inventory Optimization
Implement strategies for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and working capital optimization. Monitor supply chain vulnerabilities and develop contingency plans to secure supply continuity across global regions. Work closely with the Company’s cost accounting manager to develop, measure and maintain standard costs that will serve as budget and the benchmark for purchase price variance analysis and reporting (PPVs).
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and inspire a multicultural team of procurement professionals across different geographies and affiliated companies. Set global KPIs, performance standards, and career development pathways. Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and innovative culture across the procurement organization.
Sustainability & Compliance
Ensure procurement practices align with global sustainability goals, ESH standards, and international regulatory requirements. Timely resolution of non-conformances and follow-up through corrective/preventive actions with supplier-related topics.
Experience & Qualifications
15 years of progressive procurement and sourcing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in global roles. Proven expertise in managing procurement of biological, active ingredients, chemical, raw materials, commodities, inert and indirect categories in the agribusiness sector. Track record of leading international sourcing expansion projects and managing multicultural supplier networks. Experience negotiating and administering global contracts. Proficiency with SAP Ariba and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar). Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with proven ability to engage senior stakeholders and external partners globally. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment; must be equal parts strategic and tactical. Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act quickly to solve problems. Able to effectively interface with all levels and departments within the organization. Preferred Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker with global market awareness and strong business acumen. Ability to navigate complex international supply markets and regulatory frameworks. Resilient leader, comfortable managing ambiguity and driving change. Culturally agile, collaborative, and inclusive leadership style. Passion for sustainability, innovation, and creating long-term supplier partnerships. Strong analytical skills, action and detail oriented. Education
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Chemistry, or related field. MBA or advanced degree needed. Proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Italian, French) strongly preferred. CPSM or/and CSCP, CPM, CPIM is a plus Proficient in Excel and the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to create and manage Power BI reports and dashboards. Travel: Could be up to 40%. Location: Biorational Headquarters in Libertyville, IL What We Offer
We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees. Base Salary:
The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from
$177,000 to $222,200 . Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Incentives:
All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary. Benefits High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions Financial assistance programs to support your goals Life and disability insurance for added security Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days Flexible work arrangements available Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future Valent Group of Companies is committed to sustainability and CSR as core parts of our culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world. Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status. Additional Job Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Chemical Manufacturing Note: Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas by 2x. Location specifics and nearby job postings may be included for candidate information.
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