Senior Product Specialist, Biostimulants - Valent BioSciences

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 intent of this position is to support the development, communication, and execution of annual product, crop, and asset strategies to achieve company business objectives and profitability goals. The focus product segment for this role is global biostimulants, comprising mycorrhizae-based biofertilizers, and a wide portfolio of biostimulants and bionutritional products. This role cross-functionally supports and collaborates with stakeholders for the successful implementation of annual business plans, including brand management and marketing campaigns. In addition, the incumbent will assess, prioritize, and activate key insights to support product, crop, and asset strategies. This role leads the mycorrhizae and biostimulants innovation and life cycle management process in close coordination with the R&D team (PDMs). The role also engages in special projects and ad hoc marketing functions to gain foundational experience and knowledge to prepare for future positions. 

Principal Responsibilities:

• Execute the strategic asset and product plans developed by Global Product Managers. 
• Provide compelling market oversight and be a key sales interface to ensure the coordinated execution of asset, brand, and market plans for the assigned crop and portfolio segment. 
• Lead the preparation and support the Global Product Managers to coordinate the Annual Pipeline and Product Life Cycle Management (PLCM) process, develop business cases for new initiatives and consolidate the annual presentation to Senior Leadership on behalf of the Biorational Crop Protection business management team. 
• Develop annual product, brand, and crop plans for all assigned assets with crop focus. 
• Support Global Product Managers with the launch activities of new products (NPI) and act as point of contact for in all IBP processes. 
• Coordinate with Asset Director to define and implement market research projects for the assigned business segment, in support of asset and crop strategies, new product launches or other initiatives. 
• Cross-functionally guide the marketing communications team for the assigned segment by overseeing the execution of strategy and activation of marketing communications campaigns in alignment with asset, crop, and product/brand objectives. 
• With supply chain, facilitate the demand planning process for the assigned crop segment. Includes active participation in the monthly demand review meetings. 
• Develop price analysis and competitive assessments to support pricing decisions. 
• In coordination with crop teams and asset teams, plan pre-launch commercial tactics for pipeline products to ensure commercial readiness of the organization. 
• Summarize campaign performance and intimately / frequently communicate with the organization to ensure understanding of commercial strengths and opportunities. Recommend changes or enhancements to tactical plans.

Capabilities:

• Marketing principles 
• Business Planning 
• Tactical alignment to deliver on strategy. 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Forecasting acumen 
• Persuasion, negotiation, creativity, financial, teamwork, leadership, and computer skills 
• Leading by influence

Experience:

• At least six (6) years of related experience, up to nine (9) years. 
• At least five (5) years’ sales and/or broad product management experience. 
• Exposure to international markets preferred. 
• Previous exposure to biological products is a strong plus. 
• Agriculture-related industry experience is a plus. 
• Working knowledge of a relevant foreign language is a plus.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Agronomy, or equivalent. MBA preferred. 

Location: Global business headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois is preferred. Remote/ hybrid could be considered for the right candidate. 

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: 

$103,400  to  $129,400. 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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Salary : $103,400 - $129,400