What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Buyer/Planner - Sumitomo Biorational Company position at Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America?
Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.
Description of Job: The Sr. Buyer/Planner is responsible for managing purchasing, planning, and sourcing activities to support manufacturing operations. This role ensures a consistent and cost-effective supply of raw materials, components, and services while maintaining supplier quality and performance. In addition to core procurement duties, the position provides support for material planning, inventory optimization, system data management, and overall supply chain coordination to ensure seamless production flow and on-time delivery. Additionally, the Sr. Buyer/Planner serves as the functional owner for procurement system parameters and reporting. By monitoring industry trends, executing Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP), and developing forecasts, this role helps shape strategies that align with the business's operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
- Understand SAP operations, part numbers, ingredients, and quality control qualifications.
- Develop, implement, and manage procurement strategies aligned with company goals for cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply assurance.
- Source, negotiate, and manage supplier contracts, ensuring competitive pricing, favorable terms, and compliance with company policies.
- Oversee the timely delivery of goods, optimizing the flow of supplies for production.
- Manage purchase order processes, from requisition through delivery and payment.
- Establish, review, and maintain system parameters for procurement, ensuring continuous data accuracy within the ERP/SAP environment.
- Design, construct, and manage procurement reports to track spend, supplier KPIs, and departmental metrics.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements
Material Planning & Inventory Control
- Collaborate with production, quality, and planning teams to forecast material requirements based on production schedules and demand plans.
- Manage Toller paperwork and inbound processes, acting as the primary focal point for raw material staging, packaging, and finished goods (FG).
- Execute Production Master Scheduling specifically tailored for the MA business.
- Drive localization activities by coordinating bonded warehouse operations, bulk shipments, and production scenarios to guarantee product availability.
Supply Chain Coordination
- Work cross-functionally to improve supply chain visibility, responsiveness, and efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead cost-saving or efficiency projects.
- Develop and execute Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) strategies, including Stock Transport Order (STO) movements across distribution centers.
- Act as the Supply Chain Planning Center of Excellence (CoE) Focal Point to harmonize planning processes, standardize procedures, and implement best practices.
Experience and Skills:
- 5 years of proven hands-on experience in procurement or supply planning.
- Demonstrated expertise in negotiation, supplier management, and cost optimization.
- Strong communication, problem solving, and multitasking abilities.
- Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office. Strong Excel skills are required.
- Experienced in policy enforcement, compliance, and strategic procurement operations.
- Experience managing system parameters, building data reports, and maintaining ISO 9000 procedures.
- Background in material planning, toller management, and Distribution Requirements Planning is desired.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or equivalent experience.
- Professional sourcing or supply chain certification (ISM or ASCM) is desired.
Travel: Up to 20% may be required.
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:
$78,200 to $95,800. 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
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At Sumitomo Biorational Company, 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.
- Sumitomo Biorational Company is 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 : $78,200 - $95,800