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

• Laura Beltempo (Talent Acquisition), laura-rebecca.beltempo@basf.com, Tel.:+49 30 2005-59842 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.

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 large production sites in Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing and Zhanjiang, 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 €8.2 billion in 2025 to customers in Greater China and employed 12,452 people as of the end of the year.

BASF currently operates 29 major wholly-owned subsidiaries, 11 major joint ventures, and maintains 30 sales offices in Greater China. BASF’s portfolio in Greater China comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; and the standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies 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 2025, BASF has cumulatively invested more than €15 billion in Greater China (more than €18 billion with partners) to build a locally competitive production, marketing, sales, technical service and innovation network. For further information, please visit: BASF – China (Mainland) 

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.