Assoc. Dir, Global Procurement & Sourcing - Valent BioSciences

Global Procurement & Sourcing Associate Director

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. With more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, 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.

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. Also responsible for indirect categories related to Agro and Health segments within the company. This executive role requires the ability to manage international supplier networks, develop sustainable and cost-effective sourcing strategies, negotiate global contracts, and ensure supply continuity across multiple regions. The role will also focus 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.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global procurement strategies for biological and chemicals, active ingredients, raw material, inert 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (PPV's).
• Lead, coach, and inspire a multicultural team of procurement professionals across different geographies and affiliate companies.
• Set global KPIs, performance standards, and career development pathways.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and innovative culture across the procurement organization.
• Ensure procurement practices align with global sustainability goals, ESH standards, and international regulatory requirements.
• Timely resolution of non-conformances and associated follow-up through corrective / preventative actions with supplier related topics.

Experience

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 material, 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, 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. Ability 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 detailed 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

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.