Sr. Buyer​/Planner - Sumitomo Biorational Company

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Regular Full Time Libertyville, IL, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $78,200.00 To $95,800.00 Annually

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:
Agro Solutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.

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.

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.

• 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…