Senior Attorney (BASF-Chemetall)

Now Hiring! Senior Attorney (ECT-Chemetall)

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming. 

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

BASF and Carlyle, in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority, have entered into a binding agreement related to BASF’s automotive coatings and surface treatment businesses (including Chemetall).  Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026.  This position is integral to the completion of the transaction and future success of the business.  

We are seeking an experienced Senior Attorney with 5+ years of legal experience to join our in-house legal team, supporting Chemetall U.S., Inc.; this individual can be based in New Providence, NJ (preferred) or Jackson, MI. 

This position will be responsible for providing legal advice to BASF Coatings’ business unit Chemetall in the US. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in commercial contracts, demonstrated ability to partner with business leaders, and the judgment to balance legal risk with practical business needs. International business experience is a significant plus; prior in-house experience is a must. This position reports to the Head of Legal, Compliance and Insurance Americas, and operationally to the VP Surface Treatment North America.

As a Senior Attorney (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

• Provide strategic and day-to-day legal and compliance advice, training, and support to business management and operational personnel of Chemetall U.S., Inc.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including services, sale of goods, vendor, procurement, confidentiality, NDAs, and licensing agreements.
• Advise internal stakeholders on contract terms and conditions, risk exposure, compliance requirements, and strategic negotiation options.
• Manage corporate governance matters, regulatory obligations including product, environmental, health and safety, and internal policy development. 
• Assist with cross-border transactions on global contract matters, especially between Canada/US/Mexico, and advise on jurisdictional differences.
• Support disputes and litigation, including management of external counsel.
• Develop a thorough understanding and familiarity with BASF Coatings’ and Chemetall’s business to identify trends and formulate strategies accordingly.

If you have...

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
• Minimum five (5) years of legal experience required (in-house required); in-house experience in industries such as chemical or manufacturing preferred.
• Strong background in commercial contracts and transactional work, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestments required; familiarity with international operations or global contract negotiations, data privacy regulations (e.g. GDRP), regulatory frameworks, or multinational compliance experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills; solution-oriented approach with ability to pragmatically and concisely communicate complex legal issues to non-lawyers and all levels of personnel and management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. 
• Equity-driven with demonstrated ability to excel in a dynamic environment and work well with people from diverse demographics.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

Pay transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $185,000-$210,000 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.