Objectives of the Position

Lead Trade Compliance Operations globally, with direct responsibility for Hubs Kuala Lumpur, Berlin and Montevideo. Trade Compliance (TC) Operations – Sanctioned Party List Screening & True Hit investigation, Blocked Order Management, License Management, Material Classification, Authority Reporting data preparation. TC-relevant topics in BASF Group are Dual-use and Defense/Military, Sanctions/Embargos, Chemicals Trade Control and Sanctioned Party compliance. 

Job Responsibilities

Service: Harmonize compliance and service level KPI’s; drive sustainable service delivery and improvement thereof

• Accountable for effective and efficient Operational TC performance i.e. Classification, License Management, Blocked order management and data preparation for Authority Reporting of jurisdictions in scope
• Oversee end-to-end operational processes, ensuring consistent execution across multiple locations
• Develop operational KPI’s for Compliance and Service delivery; and establish accompanying infrastructure and visualization for monitoring, reporting and actionable insights
• Continuously improve processes, Communication flows & stakeholder awareness
• In collaboration with Global or Key Jurisdiction Regulatory Expert, perform Management of Change (MOC) following new or changed Regulation. MOC includes Impact Analysis and service design / service modification to ensure adherence to the new or changed conditions for trade
• Coordinate the support of internal and external audits for TC-relevant topics upon request
• Conduct training/awareness sessions to internal clients and stakeholders related to topics in each Hub’s operational scope

People: Embed service mindset, business process awareness and regulatory know-how at operative level; develop & mentor a strong “bench” of Operational leaders

• Build leadership succession pipeline for business continuity, with focus on frontline team leaders and Operations Managers. Desired competencies include critical thinking & problem solving, timely stakeholder engagement, identification and management of poor performance, identification & development of high potentials and high performers
• Inculcate a service mindset and continuous improvement culture in the operative team
• Increase regulatory know-how and business process awareness of the operative team
• Systemize knowledge; convert implicit and tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge for business continuity

Efficiency: Proactively identify automation and improvement opportunities to deliver excellent service at the lowest cost

• Actively explore, articulate business cases and implement digitization, automation and AI usage in operational activities
• Post-implementation, perform regular reviews of operational activities to ensure consistent utilization and achievement of business case
• Manage Cost and FTE budgets diligently
• Participate and/or lead transformation projects

Job Requirements

• University degree in Business law/legal studies, Business/ Economics, International trade, Science or Engineering
• Min 8 years of relevant professional experience with direct experience in at least one of Trade Compliance, Regulatory or Supply Chain related field
• Experience in the following sectors - Chemicals/ pharmaceutical/ e-commerce, international trading of goods or commodities is a plus
• Direct experience working in/ managing an operations team, especially in a Service Hub is a plus
• Prior people leadership experience is a must; experience in multi-country / cross cultural setting and working in matrix organizations a plus
• Entrepreneurial drive to take ownership until resolution
• Structured thinking, Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Familiarity with SAP ERP & GTS Module
• Business fluent in written and spoken English; Mandarin/ German/ Spanish a plus

BASF has been present in Malaysia since 1989, and operates a manufacturing plant in Pasir Gudang, Johor. BASF’s Regional Service Hub in Kuala Lumpur provides functional support services to BASF companies in 20 markets across Asia Pacific. BASF also provides infrastructure and utilities support services to its joint ventures BASF PETRONAS Chemicals and Toray BASF Resins at an integrated Verbund site situated in the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Pahang. BASF posted sales to customers in Malaysia of approximately €340 million in 2024 and had 2,579 employees as of the end of the year. Further information is available on www.basf.com/my</span></p>