Objectives of the Position
- Develop sources for not yet commercially available raw materials
- Develop a broad supplier base
- Negotiate terms for raw material supply
- Key interface between Research, Process Development, Global Procurement and Chinese supplier market
Main Tasks
- Identify suitable manufacturing partners for new raw materials that are not yet commercially available.
- Drive the development of new raw materials together with selected suppliers.
- Support the scale-up of laboratory syntheses into pilot-scale and commercial production.
- Evaluate suppliers regarding technical capabilities, manufacturing know-how and scale-up expertise.
- Identify and/or develop alternative manufacturing routes and supply concepts.
- Build and maintain networks with innovative manufacturers supporting BASF's future innovation pipeline.
- Ensure long-term supply security through the development of competitive and scalable supply chains.
- Monitor developments within the Chinese chemical industry, including new suppliers, technologies and production capacities.
- Identify emerging manufacturing capabilities and sourcing opportunities.
- Assess supplier competitiveness, investment activities and strategic fit.
- Analyze project relevant market trends, cost drivers and future sourcing opportunities.
- Initiate, coordinate and conclude Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) with suppliers and development partners.
- Conduct contract negotiations for supply agreements, development agreements and commercial terms when appropriate.
- Work on development of procurement strategies balancing cost, availability, timelines, quality, and sustainability
- Obtain quotations and commercial information for new raw materials or intermediates from Chinese suppliers.
- Conduct supplier inquiries and ensure timely responses.
- Analyze synthesis routes and contribute to raw material cost assessments.
- Conduct commercial negotiations and establish competitive pricing conditions.
- Coordinate sample requests and shipments, export procedures and logistics activities.
- Ensure timely material availability for laboratory, pilot plant and/or production.
- Monitor sample status and proactively resolve delivery issues.
- Serve as the central interface between suppliers and project teams for all sample-related activities.
- Document quotations, sourcing decisions and supplier communications in BASF systems.
- Maintain sourcing, pricing and supplier information databases.
- Ensure data quality, transparency and traceability across all development projects.
- Collect and save supplier presentations and relevant information on suppliers like technologies, special raw materials, value chains.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of digital sourcing and project management tools.
- Implement screening for new sources via AI tools; check regularly on new AI tools to improve sourcing efficiency
- Ensure compliance with BASF procurement standards and sustainability requirements.
- Support supplier participation in EcoVadis, TfS and other sourcing initiatives.
- Contribute to Quality, EHS and sustainability audits or follow-up actions where required.
- Promote sustainable and responsible supply chains across the supplier network
- Education: Master (or higher) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
- Chemical industry sourcing/procurement and technical manufacturing exposure for at least 5 years
- Chinese supplier network experience, including scouting, qualification, negotiation and sample coordination
- New raw material development, scale-up and commercialization experience is preferred.
