Dir, Marketing, Crop Protection & Non-Crop Portfolio -Valent USA

Regular Full Time

Libertyville, IL, US

US

About Us:

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description

The Marketing Director leads the commercial strategy for the U.S. Crop Protection and Non-Crop portfolio, driving profitable short- and mid-term growth while preparing the business for future success through pipeline commercialization. This role is responsible for portfolio strategy, new product launches, and commercial excellence to maximize revenue, profitability, and market share.

Working closely with Asset Management, Sales, Technology, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Finance, Business Development, and Global Marketing, the Marketing Director develops integrated portfolio strategies, strengthens brand competitiveness, and builds the commercial capabilities needed to deliver sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Strategy & Business Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic marketing and business plans for the U.S. portfolio, including annual marketing plans, budgets, demand forecasts, and profitability targets.

• Identify market opportunities, competitive risks, portfolio gaps, and customer needs to guide investment priorities and long-term growth.

• Provide strategic market intelligence and commercial recommendations to executive leadership and global marketing teams.

Portfolio Management & Commercialization

• Lead commercialization strategies for pipeline products, ensuring successful launches that achieve revenue, market share, and profitability objectives.

• Direct product positioning, value propositions, pricing, channel strategy, and lifecycle management for both new and established brands.

• Protect and grow key portfolio franchises through competitive defense, supply optimization, cost management, and differentiated market positioning.

Commercial Excellence

• Drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance marketing effectiveness, customer engagement, forecasting, and commercial decision-making through Salesforce, Power BI, and advanced analytics.

• Simplify and optimize marketing programs, account planning, and sales enablement processes to improve execution, automation, and business performance.

Marketing Operations & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Establish standardized marketing processes, project governance, commercialization readiness, and performance tracking to improve execution and accountability.

• Lead cross-functional teams to align Asset Management, Sales, Technology, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and other functions on portfolio strategy, product launches, and business priorities.

• Foster strong collaboration across commercial and technical organizations to ensure disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

People Leadership

• Build and develop a high-performing marketing organization through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.

• Establish clear priorities, accountability, and performance expectations while cultivating future marketing leaders.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field

• 10+ years of progressive marketing, product management, portfolio management, or commercial leadership experience within the agricultural, crop protection, seed, or specialty chemical industry.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated success leading product launches and managing complex agricultural product portfolios.

• Strong understanding of U.S. crop protection, non-crop, distribution, retail, and grower markets.

• Experience developing strategic business plans, forecasts, budgets, pricing strategies, and commercial programs.

• Proven leadership in cross-functional teams involving Sales, R&D, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Finance.

• Strong analytical, financial, communication, and executive presentation skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment (Office)

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands include constant sitting, walking, standing, simple grasping and fine manipulation with hands; frequent bending at the neck and waist; and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, power grasping, pushing, and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.

• Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around equipment and machinery, including a computer keyboard and mouse.

• It may require occasional travel.

• Frequency Definitions: Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

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:

$210,000 to $280,000 . 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 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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