TOP START International Business Leader Program (China) (m/f/d)
WELCOME TO BASF
With TOP START (China), our exclusive three-year program for future leaders, we will prepare you for a leading position in general management. Contribute your creativity, passion and entrepreneurial drive at BASF and start your successful career with us! Learn more about TOP START here.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Are you eager to gain comprehensive insights into BASF from various perspectives and regions? Do you feel thrilled working on mission-critical projects in an international context? Do you appreciate diversity and a stimulating environment? Are you eager to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a leader every day?
Our TOP START International Business Leader Program offers a unique opportunity for the best graduates around the world to experience all that while maximizing their potential and developing themselves into a leading position for a successful general management career.
- You are ready to take on responsibility? Actively participate in our diverse international environment from day one and contribute to BASF's success by leading business-driven projects.
- Are you flexible, open-minded, and feel at home in the world? Be part of three different units in various regions of the world, with at least one assignment based in China within three years. Gain an in-depth understanding of a variety of business areas both at the operational and strategic level.
- Personalized development and mentoring are of importance to you? Our coaching and development programs, combined with continuous feedback and an individual mentor from our top management, accompany and support you on your way to a successful career.
- Networking is an essential part of your professional life? Throughout the trainee program, you are in close exchange with our program manager and participate in numerous networking opportunities with trainees, alumni, and board members.
WHAT YOU OFFER
- Outstanding performance - You have an excellent degree in the field of business/economics (Master, PhD, MBA) with no more than three years of work experience. On top of your strong management expertise, you ideally bring a general technical curiosity or even have a background that combines management and technology to quickly understand and navigate complex innovation-driven environments.
- Experiences out of your comfort zone - You have first practical experiences in leading companies, e.g., through demanding internships. Your international experiences have strengthened your communication skills and fluency in English and Mandarin.
- Think and act like a leader - Your analytical mindset helps you quickly capture complex topics and situations, and you enjoy an innovative and sustainable approach.
- Inspiration and openness - Your future-oriented actions and implementation of ideas are characterized by your entrepreneurial drive, empathy and a strong sense of collaboration.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A successful start to your career at a global company with individual career planning tailored specifically to you, challenging and diverse tasks and a wide range of development measures.
- Attractive compensation, including occupational social benefits and outstanding development opportunities within an international company.
HOW TO REACH US
- Anna Remberg (Talent Acquisition), anna.remberg@basf.com, Tel.:+49 30 2005-56448 will be happy to answer your questions for this position.
- You can also reach our recruiting team here.
- First information about our application process can be found here: http://on.basf.com/applicationprocess.
The selection process includes a background check of the last diploma obtained and a criminal record certificate. Please submit the required documents only after our request.
ABOUT US
BASF has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885. With larger production sites in Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing and Zhanjiang (under construction), BASF is a major foreign investor in the country’s chemical industry, and operates the Innovation Campus Shanghai, BASF’s largest R&D site in Asia.
BASF posted sales of approximately €8.6 billion in 2024 to customers in Greater China and employed 12,687 people as of the end of the year.
BASF currently operates 27 major wholly-owned subsidiaries, 11 major joint ventures, and maintains 28 sales offices in Greater China. BASF’s business in Greater China includes Petrochemicals, Intermediates, Performance Materials, Monomers, Dispersions and Resins, Performance Chemicals, Catalysts, Coatings, Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health, and Agricultural Solutions.
These solutions are used in almost all areas of daily life such as in houses, cars, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textile, household goods, electronic equipment and packaging. As of the end of 2024, BASF has cumulatively invested more than €13 billion in Greater China (approximately €17 billion with partners) to build a locally competitive production, marketing, sales, technical service and innovation network. For further information, please visit: www.basf.com/cn/en.
Diversity is our greatest strength!
Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That’s what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That’s what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.

We aim to form the best team by bringing together people with unique backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Our differences make us stronger and more vibrant. And an open, creative and supportive work environment inspires us to achieve exceptional results.
Your application
Here you find anything you need to know about your application and the application process.
Contact us
You have questions about your application or on how to apply in Europe? The BASF Talent Acquisition Europe team is glad to assist you.
Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.
Shanghai, CN