Global Customs Preferential Management & Rules of Origin (Manager)

We are a leading chemical company, with the best teams developing intelligent solutions for our customers, and for a sustainable future. We connect and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. For you, this means a variety of ways to progress. Not only your performance but also your personality matter to us, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, orientation, and background. At BASF, careers develop from opportunities . Objectives of the Position The Manager, Global Customs Preferential Management & Rules of Origin, is responsible for leading a team of specialists and ensuring the compliant, efficient, and high-quality execution of Preferential Management activities within the assigned region(s) and area of responsibility. This role ensures adherence to customs regulations, preferential origin requirements, and BASF compliance standards while actively maximizing the utilization and duty-saving potential of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for BASF Group companies. The position oversees preferential origin determination, supplier declaration management, origin-related customs processes, and advisory services to business units and group companies, while safeguarding BASF against compliance violations, financial penalties, and business risks arising from incorrect preferential origin determinations. M ain Areas of Responsibilities and Key Activities Lead and supervise a team of specialists who coordinate, conduct analysis of products subject to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and prepare and maintain the data and documentation required under applicable FTAs. Contribute to collaboration and coordination with Business Unit leadership, Customs Country Custodians, and the Customs Management Team to support best practice implementation, optimize FTA processes, and support KPI reporting and performance monitoring. Ability to work flexibly and collaborate with stakeholders across different time zones. Participate and contribute in Preference Management regular meetings, monitor operational performance, and support the alignment of cost and KPI measures within the assigned area of responsibility. Oversee the solicitation, validation, and maintenance of data and documentation, including FTA certificates and long-term supplier agreements, from BASF suppliers to support preferential treatment and duty-saving opportunities for Business Units and BASF legal entities. Coordinate and oversee communication with BASF customers, Business Units, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that FTA requirements, responses, and origin-related obligations are met. Identify, evaluate, and support additional duty management and Free Trade Agreement utilization opportunities to enhance cost savings and customs efficiency within the assigned area of responsibility. Manage and support the implementation of process and system changes related to Free Trade Agreements in collaboration with IT, process owners, and relevant stakeholders. Apply an operational excellence mindset to review, standardize, and optimize end-to-end Preferential Management process flows, improving efficiency, quality, compliance, and customer service. Job Requirements Bachelor's degree/Masters in Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience in the chemical industry and/or a Chemical Engineering background would be an advantage. 5–8 years of professional experience in Customs, Foreign Trade Compliance, Preferential Origin determination, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) management. Experience in Customs and/or Foreign Trade laws and regulations. Experience leading teams, coordinating cross-functional activities, or managing projects is preferred. Experience driving process improvement, operational excellence, or digitalization initiatives is an advantage. Experience working in a multinational and matrix organization. Ability to work flexibly and collaborate with stakeholders across different time zones. Strong knowledge of Preferential Origin determination, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and customs compliance requirements. Strong technical knowledge of HS tariff classification, rules of origin, and customs valuation principles. Good understanding of supplier declaration management and origin-related documentation requirements. Good knowledge of SAP master data systems, SAP ERP, and SAP GTS. Proficiency in data management, KPI monitoring, reporting, and operational analysis. Strong understanding of BASF products, markets, and business processes. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Structured and systematic work approach. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. Experience in project management and change management is desirable. Ability to identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities through process optimization, standardization, automation, and digitalization initiatives. English (fluent in spoken and written) The BASF Service Hub Kuala Lumpur (BASF Asia-Pacific Service Centre Sdn Bhd) is strategically located in the capital city of Malaysia. Since its inception in 2005, the hub has expanded from 130 employees to over 1,300 employees currently and is expected to keep growing. As an ISO 9001:2005 certified organization, the Service Hub Kuala Lumpur is committed to delivering high quality expertise and services in finance, people, supply chain, EHSQ (environment, health, safety, quality), product safety and digital. We take pride in providing our business services to BASF companies and affiliates across 20 markets in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Moreover, we offer our services in 8 different languages to cater to the diverse needs of our stakeholders. Our focus on competency and technology-driven solutions allows us to consistently deliver exceptional services, thereby contributing to the success of our businesses. BASF also has two other regional hubs located in Berlin, Germany, and Montevideo, Uruguay, which cover the European and American regions. BASF Service Hub Kuala Lumpur was recognized with nine prestigious awards in 2024, reflecting its commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering workplace. These awards include winning the title of Operational Excellence in HR at the GBS Asia Awards 2024, multiple accolades at the Life at Work Awards 2024, where the hub was recognized as First Runner-up for Workplace Excellence (International Organization) and CEO Champion (International Organization), as well as Second Runner-up for Best International Organization. The hub also won the title for Excellence in Learning Tech Advancement System and a Certificate of Excellence in Talent Management and Leadership at the HRD Awards 2024. Furthermore, the hub secured a Bronze Award for Excellence in Digital Transformation at the HR Excellence Awards 2024 and received a Bronze Award for Human Resources Impact and an Honorary Award for Creative Talent Management Impact at the SSON Impact Awards Asia 2024. At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at . Apply now