Manager, Supply Chain Planning & Procurement Valent BioSciences

Company: Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies Of America
Location: Libertyville
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

About Us: 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. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit. Description of Job: Lead the Supply Chain workstream for the VBS–MA integration and drive the centralization of MA Supply Planning & Procurement, operating as an individual-contributor manager who sets a high bar for execution, influence, and cross-functional leadership. Accountable for end-to-end planning and procurement performance—meeting customer expectations through robust inventory strategies, supplier/toller production orchestration, integrated production planning, and a coordinated communications cadence across the network. Principal Responsibilities: Integration & Centralization: Map processes, remove overlaps, resolve grey zones, and maintain cadence and engagement across VBS and MA; design and implement the MA Planning & Procurement centralization and its operating model. Production & Materials Planning (MRP/MPS): Build an integrated production plan by SKU using MCPs (rates, downtime, shifts), implement RCCP, and lead S&OE (0–3 months); consolidate PMR/DMR updates. AI / PGR Focus: Lead daily supply planning and procurement of Active Ingredients (AIs) for PGR products, managing demand/safety stocks/replenishment to ensure continuity of supply. Procurement & Suppliers: Issue supplier forecasts and manage commitments per contracts and toll manufacturing agreements; execute purchasing of raw materials, ingredients, and AIs; support qualification and onboarding; ensure QC/EHS/regulatory compliance. Inventory Strategy & Control: Optimize inventory across the network (targets, health, transfers); perform monthly/biweekly inventory reconciliations for third-party plants; drive continuous improvement in the Product Availability report. Risk & Contingency: Identify constraints and exposures early; develop contingency plans; manage material lead times, cash-flow needs for purchases, distressed/SLOB mitigation, and impacts from NPIs and obsolescence. IBP / S&OP Enablement: Provide structured inputs and recommendations for complex capacity planning in IBP/S&OP; drive the Supply Chain Adherence plan across the supply network. Stakeholder & Communications: Maintain strong relationships with customers, internal partners, offshore teams, and external suppliers; set and meet expectations; lead clear, coordinated communications under pressure. Operational Excellence: Practice root-cause analysis and continuous improvement; demonstrate thought leadership and proactive problem solving to elevate service, cost, and working capital performance. Talent & Ways of Working (no direct reports): Build high-performing, cross-functional squads through influence; mentor peers; model standards and best practices. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong standalone leadership skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. “Big Picture” operations and supply chain knowledge. Excellent time management in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Self-motivated, organized, and creative with proven leadership skills. Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal). Knowledge of supply planning and reporting systems. Team-oriented, professional, and proactive with a “can-do” attitude. Competency in relationship building, initiative, persuasion, integrity, leadership, problem-solving, and project management. Ability to communicate strategy and results to senior leadership. Experience Minimum 8 years of supply chain experience, including planning, master scheduling, materials management, and demand planning. S&OP experience required. Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-up skills. Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel knowledge. APICS certification (or willingness to obtain) is a plus. Knowledge of manufacturing principles and practices is preferred. Experience in global, matrixed environments with independence under limited supervision. Minimum 5 years of people management experience. Minimum 6 years of SAP experience. Education Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Logistics, or Supply Chain required. Travel Up to 10–15%, including limited international travel. 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: $125,000 to $154,000 . 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 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. 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. LI-HYBRID

Keywords: Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies Of America, Chicago , Manager, Supply Chain Planning & Procurement Valent BioSciences, Manufacturing , Libertyville, Illinois