Sr Dir, Global Biostimulant Strategy- Valent BioSciences LLC

Job Description

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: The Senior Director, Global Biostimulant Strategy & New Business primary objective is to design, develop and execute a clear and concise vision and strategic marketing plan for the Biostimulant business unit, globally. This position will progress and implement a “customer driven” vision throughout the cross functional team and support the sales efforts in the Global Biostimulant market. The decisions, strategy and recommendations made by the position will have a significant long-term impact on Valent Biosciences and significantly affect the financial position and/or growth trajectory of the company. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Marketing & Business Management this role will initially manage four (4) direct reports.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and execute annual, mid- and long-term marketing / operating / business plans for the Biostimulant business unit in support of the overall business strategy for growth of the portfolio. Areas of focus include strategic and operational marketing plans, identify and target customers for the sales team, prepare and recommend the commercial support strategy as well as financial planning and budgeting for the business unit
• Develop and execute Marketing Strategy including use of CRM platform inclusive of training sessions for the sales team, retail channel partners and commission agents. In addition, the Senior Director will: lead and support promotional efforts, and Lead and support complete customer interaction (convert leads into sales, partner on sales transactions, account history, program fulfillment)
• Evaluate industry trends and market intelligence and advise other Valent Bioscience teams on business direction, portfolio gaps and opportunities for Product Life Cycle (PLCM) management and future growth. Leverage knowledge of trends and market intel to identify areas to acquire new customers and grow market share
• Lead, develop and manage a strong talented Marketing, Regulatory and Customer Service team with a good work ethic, focus on field work, working collaboratively within the Sumitomo Chemical Company (SCC) organization and each affiliate organization
• Research opportunities for M&A targets, out/in-licensing, joint ventures, private label and other industry partnerships
• Will be responsible for short and mid term planning forecasts and budgets

Capabilities:

• Entrepreneurial and must be a self-starter (assertive). The candidate will possess the skill set to effectively manage and lead teams focused on product and brand management, customer, and commercial services in evolving and developing new segments with emphasis on revenue growth and growing market share
• Leads and collaborates across departments to foster a team-based environment to drive achievement of company and department objectives
• Customer driven, business acumen with experience in building new business and growing relationships with new customers, leading to increased revenue
• Be able to design, build and execute an operating plan that supports the vision for the business which motivates customers, the sales and customer service teams.
• Experience in identifying and building a talented marketing / sales teams / technical service team with the right person / right job approach
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written at executive, senior leadership and operational levels across multiple functions and departments
• Develops, manages, and maintains interpersonal relationships to influence decisions or senior / executive leaders, both internally and outside of the company
• Problem solving experience, skills, and results
• Focus on, and implementation of “value addition” selling. Understanding customer needs and opportunities, in order to appropriately match with product strength
• Be able to build extensive technical knowledge of the product line, in order to effectively position the product line for appropriate markets and provide the team with clear, concise direction and sales support tools that will be leveraged for customer needs
• Analytical skills on the management side that lead to recommendations and proposals, but also conversant with evolving trends in agriculture
• Decisive operational execution experience with “Big Picture” thinking
• Ethical and compliant
• Proven work experience in a leadership capacity in Marketing, Product Management and/or Brand Strategy, while being viewed as a strategic thought leader in this space”
• Align with Project Management Office to oversee the fulfillment of all cross-functional initiatives to ensure strategic alignment with business objectives

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience of at least ten (10) or more years of building business, especially in new segments
• At least eight (8) or more years of experience leading teams and managing people, including progressive management experience
• Knowledge of crop production, biostimulants and the soil microbiome segments is preferred
• Strategic decision-making authority and skills, including new product introduction and M&A experience
• Proven, successful cross-functional and product management experience; also skilled with negotiation, ability to persuade other leaders and strong presentation skills
• Ability to lead and as necessary build a team; also required to provide motivational leadership
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) and Salesforce (a plus) applications.

Education :

• Bachelors and master’s degree in agriculture, crop production science, business, or marketing required

Location: Global business headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois, with a hybrid telecommuting policy of up to 20% per month.

Travel: As required, including 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:

$200,000 to $260,000. 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.

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