Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas
Sr Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security & Quality
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas, Libertyville, Illinois, United States, 60092
Sr Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security & Quality
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Sr Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security & Quality
role at
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas .
About Us Valent North America LLC is the shared services organization of Valent U.S.A. LLC and Valent BioSciences LLC, part of the Valent group of companies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Valent North America unites corporate Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, and Environmental Health & Safety functions to maximize service delivery across the group. Valent U.S.A. develops, registers, sells, and markets integrated solutions for crop production and pest management. Valent BioSciences is a leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products for agriculture, public health and forest health markets. Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies offering a diverse range of products worldwide.
Position Summary The Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and Quality (EHSSQ) for Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC provides strategic leadership and oversight for all programs under Responsible Care intent, focusing on environmental stewardship, employee health and safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality across the company’s biological and chemical research, development, and manufacturing operations. This executive will establish and drive the company’s EHSSQ vision to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards supporting the Sumitomo Responsible Care management system while promoting a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the company’s EHSSQ strategy aligned with corporate objectives and growth plans.
Serve as a trusted advisor and leader for reporting to executive leadership on EHSSQ risks, opportunities, and regulatory trends within the biorational group.
Ensure alignment with Sumitomo Chemical Company’s responsible care strategy and audit program.
Integrate EHSSQ principles into all stages of product lifecycle, from R&D through manufacturing and commercialization.
Champion implementation of environmental, occupational health, and biosafety programs that comply with federal, state, and international regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIH, local biosafety guidelines).
Ensure robust biosafety and biosecurity programs for all laboratory and manufacturing operations, including BSL‑1 to BSL‑2 containment requirements.
Champion initiatives to reduce environmental impact, including waste minimization, water conservation, and sustainable energy use.
Promote a proactive safety culture through leadership visibility, employee engagement, and targeted training.
Ensure adequacy of risk assessment, incident investigation, corrective action, and audit programs.
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary EHSSQ team across multiple research and production sites.
Build an organization‑wide culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.
Foster collaboration between quality, operations, supply chain, research, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in EHSS and Quality roles within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences industries.
At least 5 years of executive or senior leadership experience managing multi‑site EHSSQ functions.
Demonstrated success managing GMP‑compliant manufacturing and biosafety programs.
Deep understanding of FDA, EMA, ISO 9001/14001/45001, and other global regulatory frameworks.
Strong knowledge of biological and chemical hazard management, biosafety levels, and containment controls.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.
Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
Experience with digital EHSSQ management systems and data analytics preferred.
Performance Metrics
Full adherence to Sumitomo Chemical Company RC standards.
Reduction in safety incidents, environmental non‑compliances, and audit observations.
Maintenance of chemical industry compliance and GMP/biosafety compliance across facilities.
Continuous improvement in product quality metrics and right‑first‑time performance.
Positive trends in safety culture and employee engagement.
Successful execution of sustainability and operational excellence initiatives.
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:
Estimated annual base salary ranges from
$210,000 to $260,000 . Individual pay is based on 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 At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
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Sr Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security & Quality
role at
Sumitomo Chemical: Group Companies of the Americas .
About Us Valent North America LLC is the shared services organization of Valent U.S.A. LLC and Valent BioSciences LLC, part of the Valent group of companies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Valent North America unites corporate Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, and Environmental Health & Safety functions to maximize service delivery across the group. Valent U.S.A. develops, registers, sells, and markets integrated solutions for crop production and pest management. Valent BioSciences is a leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products for agriculture, public health and forest health markets. Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies offering a diverse range of products worldwide.
Position Summary The Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and Quality (EHSSQ) for Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC provides strategic leadership and oversight for all programs under Responsible Care intent, focusing on environmental stewardship, employee health and safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality across the company’s biological and chemical research, development, and manufacturing operations. This executive will establish and drive the company’s EHSSQ vision to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards supporting the Sumitomo Responsible Care management system while promoting a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the company’s EHSSQ strategy aligned with corporate objectives and growth plans.
Serve as a trusted advisor and leader for reporting to executive leadership on EHSSQ risks, opportunities, and regulatory trends within the biorational group.
Ensure alignment with Sumitomo Chemical Company’s responsible care strategy and audit program.
Integrate EHSSQ principles into all stages of product lifecycle, from R&D through manufacturing and commercialization.
Champion implementation of environmental, occupational health, and biosafety programs that comply with federal, state, and international regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIH, local biosafety guidelines).
Ensure robust biosafety and biosecurity programs for all laboratory and manufacturing operations, including BSL‑1 to BSL‑2 containment requirements.
Champion initiatives to reduce environmental impact, including waste minimization, water conservation, and sustainable energy use.
Promote a proactive safety culture through leadership visibility, employee engagement, and targeted training.
Ensure adequacy of risk assessment, incident investigation, corrective action, and audit programs.
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary EHSSQ team across multiple research and production sites.
Build an organization‑wide culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.
Foster collaboration between quality, operations, supply chain, research, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in EHSS and Quality roles within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences industries.
At least 5 years of executive or senior leadership experience managing multi‑site EHSSQ functions.
Demonstrated success managing GMP‑compliant manufacturing and biosafety programs.
Deep understanding of FDA, EMA, ISO 9001/14001/45001, and other global regulatory frameworks.
Strong knowledge of biological and chemical hazard management, biosafety levels, and containment controls.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.
Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
Experience with digital EHSSQ management systems and data analytics preferred.
Performance Metrics
Full adherence to Sumitomo Chemical Company RC standards.
Reduction in safety incidents, environmental non‑compliances, and audit observations.
Maintenance of chemical industry compliance and GMP/biosafety compliance across facilities.
Continuous improvement in product quality metrics and right‑first‑time performance.
Positive trends in safety culture and employee engagement.
Successful execution of sustainability and operational excellence initiatives.
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:
Estimated annual base salary ranges from
$210,000 to $260,000 . Individual pay is based on 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 At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
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