About Sumitomo Biorational Company
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.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Global Logistics & Trade Compliance is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and executing an integrated global logistics vision for SCC. This position drives operational excellence, trade compliance, and cost leadership across a complex and evolving global supply chain network.
A critical component of this role is leading the expansion, centralization, and standardization of logistics capabilities across SCC and future acquired companies, ensuring seamless integration, synergy realization, and scalability. The role serves as a key architect in building a unified logistics platform that supports growth, M&A integration, and cross-functional alignment within the broader Sumitomo organization.
This leader will champion digital transformation (DX) initiatives while demonstrating proactive leadership, strong project execution, and the ability to operate seamlessly from hands-on operational management to high-level strategic planning.
This leader will be responsible for 3PL Management for cost efficiencies and service level control for the 3 business divisions. Working with all Supply Chain area leaders to create a integrated and efficient Supply Chain for our company and customers.
Key Responsibilities
Global Logistics Strategy & Transformation
- Develop and execute a global logistics and distribution strategy aligned with SBC growth objectives and the M&A roadmap.
- Lead centralization and harmonization of logistics operations across SBC and acquired entities.
- Identify and deliver post‑merger integration synergies, including network optimization, carrier consolidation, and cost‑to‑serve improvements.
- Design and implement a future‑ready logistics network and operating model.
- Establish global logistics playbooks and governance frameworks.
- Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Operational & Strategic Leadership
- Balance day‑to‑day logistics execution with long‑term strategic leadership.
- Responsible for leading the employees who executes shipping and receiving activities.
- Responsible for managing warehousing operations globally.
- Build scalable logistics capabilities to support future growth.
- 3PL management, cost control, service control and performance tracking and reporting.
- Manage and lead Forestry program - Manage bulk distribution programs including tank trucks and rail.
- Oversee and ensure effective execution of all Biostimulant division activities, driving continuous improvement and remediation of transactional and reporting gaps.
- Collaborate proactively with all Supply Chain Leaders to create a integrated and efficient supply chain.
Digital Transformation (DX), Automation & Reporting
- Lead logistics digital transformation initiatives across global operations.
- Develop advanced reporting frameworks and performance dashboards.
- Drive adoption of data analytics and business intelligence tools.
- Identify automation opportunities across transportation, compliance, documentation, and reporting.
- Establish data governance and data quality standards for logistics activities and projects.
Transportation, Warehousing & Network Optimization
- Lead global transportation and warehousing strategy, including chemical and hazardous materials distribution (bulk, packaged, tank truck, rail).
- Optimize lanes, capacity planning, and network design to improve OTD and agility.
- Drive continuous improvement using benchmarking and best practices.
- Connect all divisions and capture synergies for the SBC, be responsible for contract management with each of warehouse and 3PL owned by SBC and keep close alignment with Sumitomo Companies for partnerships and opportunities such as Valent USA and Sumitomo New York.
Contracting, Vendor Management & Cost Optimization
- Lead negotiations and management of carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and 3PLs.
- Optimize service levels and cost structures with measurable savings.
- Establish 3PL and carrier performance management frameworks.
- Leverage scale across SBC to improve purchasing power and vendor performance.
Trade Compliance & Export and Import Leadership
- Own global import/export compliance and customs strategy.
- Lead duty drawback programs, HTS classification, customs valuation, and recordkeeping.
- Ensure compliance with FIFRA, EPA, C‑TPAT, hazardous materials rules, and international trade laws.
- Partner with Regulatory, Legal, and EHS teams on classification, labeling, and SDS (safety data sheet) requirements.
- Act as SME on global trade compliance trends.
Hazardous Materials & Chemical Logistics
- Oversee hazardous materials compliance, training, and certifications.
- Ensure safe and compliant transportation of chemical products.
- Maintain expertise in SDS management and chemical handling.
- Manage bulk distribution programs (tank truck and rail).
Integration & Cross‑Company Leadership
- Serve as logistics integration lead for M&A activities.
- Collaborate across SCC Americas, EU, and global affiliates.
- Expand logistics scope to support additional Sumitomo Chemical entities and build a Center of Excellence (CoE).
Financial Collaboration & Budget Management
- Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Business Leadership on savings initiatives.
- Develop and manage logistics budgets and forecasts.
- Support expansion and localization projects through proactive logistics planning.
- Drive cost‑to‑serve optimization and long‑term financial efficiency.
Leadership, People Management & Project Execution
- Lead, coach, and develop high‑performing logistics teams.
- Demonstrate strong people leadership and organizational discipline.
- Lead cross‑functional and global projects with execution excellence.
- Act as a change agent driving transformation initiatives.
- Experience in developing people, creating strong teams and collaborative environments.
- Strong ability to proactively communicate on risks and opportunities, avoiding business disruption, creating clarity and orchestrating gap closing plans.
- 10–12+ years of experience in global logistics, supply chain, and trade compliance.
- 5–7 years in leadership roles.
- Experience in chemical or regulated industries, including hazardous materials.
- Proven success in logistics transformation, centralization, M&A integration, and DX.
- Strong contract negotiation and cost optimization experience.
- Deep expertise in import/export, duty drawback, customs compliance, and trade regulations.
- Strong knowledge of SDS, chemical transportation, and EPA/FIFRA/C‑TPAT frameworks.
- Ability to operate effectively from operational to strategic levels.
- Strong people leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or advanced degree in supply chain, business, or engineering.
- PMP certification.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- APICS / ASCM or equivalent certification.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
Travel
Approximately 10–15% , domestic and global 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:
$150,000 to $187,000. 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 and Valent U.S.A., 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 and Valent U.S.A. 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.
- #LI-HYBRID