Local Business Director, South Asia

• To Lead and execute the Dispersions (ED - A-EDA) business in the sub-region.  To implement the regional and local business strategies and achieve short- and long-term operational targets as agreed with A-EDA.
• To be fully accountable for financial performance of A-EDA in countries/sub-region ensuring that agreed targets e.g. consolidated contribution margin, fixed costs, working capital and other qualitative targets are achieved
• To ensure safe & profitable operations of the Mangalore site and Dahej dispersions plant.
• As a member of the A-EDA Core Leadership team provide a vision / direction to the business strategies of A-EDA, as well as guidance to dispersions team members in the region.
• Serve as the senior ED contact and escalation for all ED topics in sub-region should there be any required customer or organization issues
• Ensure competitive service delivery & manage all administrative affairs of all Global Business Units of ED

Strategic

• Contribute to the development of A-EDA business strategies & execution for the South Asian Sub-region.
• Develop and implement distribution concepts in line with A-EDA business strategies to drive business growth.
• Drive “cost to serve” initiatives to ensure competitiveness for the A-EDA & ED’s GBUs in the sub-region
• Together with the Industry Business Managers, facilitating the allocation of resources in sales, production, technical support and customer service is aligned with customer requirements and sub-regional business strategy.
• Develop suitable understanding of the core industries served by ED, including lobbying and influencing the industry associations

Operational

• Ensure the protection, safety and security of people and facilities of ED Dispersions.
• Lead local teams to ensure smooth day-to-day operations from forecasting, production planning, raw material procurement, and logistics operations. Proactively support the identification and implementation of strategic & operational excellence initiatives
• Improve the long-term competitiveness of A-EDA South Asia vs internal and external benchmarks.  Manage working capital and fixed assets effectively. Identify, execute & monitor cost and service performance measures.
• Ensure smooth execution of CapEx and OpEx projects in line with A-EDA Target Asset Picture
• Ensure price & margins are implemented as per quick raw material & freight movements, particularly at local customers and distributors.
• Together with co-located procurement team ensure competitive and timely purchase of raw materials to ensure both business continuity & competitiveness
• Build team and individual’s competencies in agreement with ED Business Unit & SBU Heads.
• Establish and maintain high level industry contacts to ensure the most up to date market intelligence is available.
• Interact with senior management of key customers to build strong business relationships to facilitate business development with large key accounts. Lead the Network account Asian Paints for ED.
• Be responsible for ensuring compliance with respect to BASF’s license to operate in your area of responsibility(ies). Compliance, in accordance with the BASF Code of Conduct means adherence to:

(1) applicable laws and regulations

(2) internal guidelines and policies, and

(3) ethical business practices.

Keep the Managing Director informed of any and all matters concerning or impacting Compliance from time to time.

Leadership

• Serve as the local disciplinary leader for Dispersions & Resins South Asia, overseeing HR matters and fostering a high‑performance culture aligned with BASF in line with CORE values & Winning Behaviors.
• Provide strong professional and operational leadership, including active management of employee performance and career development.
• Drive alignment and collaboration across organizational boundaries to maximize teamwork, integration, and organizational synergies.

Education

• Bachelor and above qualifications in Chemistry, Engineering, Economics or Business Management.
• Preferred: Post Graduate Business Qualification (e.g. MBA)

Working Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of post‑graduate management and leadership experience, including experience in technical sales, laboratory operations, SBU management, and/or sales team leadership.

Technical & Professional Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the South Asian Industries and value chain. 
• Deep knowledge of the ED product portfolio, application, technical and manufacturing technology. 
• Strong business acumen, including knowledge of best practice production management, Responsible Care® Management. 
• Expertise in leadership, consultation, sales force coaching and team building
• Strong planning, organizational, and decision‑making capabilities, with the ability to work effectively within structured frameworks and action plans to track progress and outcomes.
• Analytical, lateral, and creative thinking skills to address complex issues and identify innovative solutions.
• Excellent people management and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong commitment to quality principles, with the ability to drive standards and positively influences others to uphold them.