Manager, Tolling Steering

Job description

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 Take over and optimize relationships with external manufacturing partners and suppliers, drive operational excellence, and support supply chain and procurement continuity across our business operations in Asia. Act as the primary interface between BASF and external toll manufacturing partners and suppliers. Steer all operational and strategic activities related to toll manufacturing, including supply chain coordination, procurement support, raw material sourcing, manufacturing performance management, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Work closely with Global Operation, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, EHS, Logistics, and Business teams to ensure reliable, efficient, and cost-effective operations at toll manufacturing sites while maintaining BASF's high standards for safety, quality, compliance, and sustainability. M ain Tasks Serve as the primary operational contact between BASF and external toll manufacturing partners and suppliers. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with tollers and suppliers to ensure reliable execution of production plans. Monitor manufacturing performance, production capacity, inventory levels, and operational KPIs. Ensure production activities at toll manufacturers in compliance with BASF's quality, safety, regulatory, and business requirements. Support resolution of operational challenges impacting production, supply, quality or customer service. Act as the central coordinator between toll manufacturers, supply chain, procurement, logistics, and commercial organizations. Ensure alignment of production planning with customer demand forecasts and inventory targets. Facilitate smooth material flows from suppliers through toll manufacturers to BASF customers. Coordinate supply risk mitigation plans and business continuity activities. Partner with Procurement teams to identify and qualify new raw material suppliers. Contribute to supplier evaluation, selection, and performance management processes. Support contract negotiations by providing operational and technical insights. Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery reliability, cost competitiveness, and sustainability. Develop alternative sourcing strategies to reduce supply risks and improve competitiveness. Contribute to identify and implement initiatives for productivity improvement across the toll manufacturing network. Coordinate cost reduction programs related to raw materials, manufacturing processes, logistics, and inventory management. Benchmark toll manufacturing performance and identify best practices. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring operational issues. Support in defining, monitoring and reporting operational KPIs for toll manufacturing partners and suppliers. Conduct regular business reviews with toll manufacturers. Ensure expectations regarding quality, delivery, safety, and operational performance are clearly established and maintained. Support production capacity planning and expansion activities when required. Ensure toll manufacturers comply with BASF standards and applicable regulatory requirements. Support implementation of BASF EHS programs and safety expectations. Actively participate in audits, assessments, and improvement plans. Coordinate investigations of quality incidents, customer complaints, or operational deviations. Promote a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the external manufacturing network. Develop and maintain a robust network of qualified toll manufacturers and strategic suppliers. Support business growth initiatives through identification of additional manufacturing capacity and capabilities. Evaluate potential new tolling partners and suppliers based on operational, technical, quality, financial, and strategic criteria. Drive accountability through performance management processes via clear objectives and constructive engagement. Champion a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement. Lead cost optimization and productivity enhancement initiatives. Support business growth through expansion of supplier and tolling capabilities. Contribute to long-term sourcing and manufacturing strategies for BASF businesses operating in China and Asia Pacific.. Identify risks, opportunities, and market developments impacting the external manufacturing network. M inimum Education and Qualification Required for the Position Minimum Education : Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Business Management, or a related discipline. Alternatively Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field with substantial industrial experience. Language: Chinese native + Fluent in English written and spoken. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Chinese and English. Professional experience : Minimum 5 years of experience in the chemical, specialty chemical or materials manufacturing industry. Proven experience in one or more areas including but not limited to Toll manufacturing management, Supply chain operations, Procurement and sourcing, Manufacturing operations, Contract manufacturing management, External supplier management. Experience working with external manufacturing partners and suppliers. Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing operations and supply chain processes. Experience managing complex stakeholder environments across multiple functions.