Team Lead - Procurement Strategy Management (Indirect Services)

Objectives of the position:

To lead the global procurement strategy and team for Indirect Services within the BASF Coatings Group, driving value through strategic sourcing, supplier collaboration, and market intelligence. The role combines leadership and strategic responsibilities to develop and implement effective procurement solutions, enhance supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with global business objectives — while fostering innovation, digitalization, and continuous improvement across the indirect procurement landscape.

Main Areas of Responsibilities and Key Activities

1. Indirect Procurement Strategy Development & Implementation

Drive the development and execution of global category strategies for indirect materials including Equipment, Services, and Supplies.

Collaborate closely with Procurement Strategy Management (PSM) to align technical and commercial perspectives, ensuring balanced and value-driven decisions.

Continuously explore and implement measures to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and mitigate risks across the indirect procurement portfolio.

2. Global Supplier Relationship Management

Establish, develop, and maintain strong supplier relationships across regions to ensure quality, reliability, and innovation.

Collaborate with suppliers to co-create cost-effective technical improvements in design, materials, and processes.

Select, qualify, and audit suppliers in alignment with BASF standards, while fostering innovative and sustainable solutions.

3. Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise

Serve as the primary technical contact for project support, tender processes, and business case evaluations.

Analyze operational trends to identify inefficiencies and develop corrective action plans.

Troubleshoot plant-related procurement issues and lead process safety reviews, including Management of Change (MOC) initiatives.

4. Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis

Contribute to the development of global market intelligence and sourcing strategies through continuous analysis and knowledge sharing.

Stay ahead of industry developments by identifying key trends, benchmarking best practices, and participating in trade shows and conferences.

Leverage data interpretation and an entrepreneurial mindset to spot emerging opportunities and drive competitive advantage.

5. Cross-functional & International Collaboration

Act as an effective liaison between Procurement, Internal Business Partners (IBPs), Technical Management, and other global stakeholders.

Work closely with General Buyers, Strategy Managers, and PSM/PNM teams to ensure consistent implementation of procurement strategies.

Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and ensure customer-oriented, efficient communication across functions and geographies.

6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Promote and implement continuous improvement initiatives in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, and technical advancements.

Contribute to the evolution of procurement processes by integrating AI, automation, and other innovative technologies.

Demonstrate agility by stepping into additional tasks or projects as per evolving business needs.

7. Leadership & Team Development

Lead and motivate a global team of General Buyers and Strategy Managers, setting clear, achievable goals and driving team engagement.

Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and developmental support.

Inspire team members, promote knowledge sharing, and align the team with strategic priorities to ensure long-term success.

YOU CAN EXPECT

Versatile field of work.

Great opportunities for shaping your own area of activity

Flat hierarchies and a dynamic team

Good professional network and experts at internal and external partners

Conducting market analyses, scouting, and strategic development of our service providers

Active participation in projects

Job Skills:

Self-motivated and outstanding team spirit

Project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time

Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills that enable you to quickly familiarize yourself with complex and demanding environments

Very good communication skills and fluent language skills English and min. one additional language

Team player with pronounced creativity and initiative

Experience with (functional) leadership in multicultural teams

Ability to inspire and motivate the team.

Ability to set clear visions and goals and align the team towards them

High intercultural competence

Openness to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and willingness to integrate innovative technologies into the procurement process to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Job Requirements (minimum requirement to carry out the work)

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and any other relevant master’s degree, MBA is a plus.

Working Experience

Minimum 15 + Years of professional experience in different clusters of procurement, technical related roles, project management etc.

Professional experience within an automotive coating/chemical/petrochemical manufacturing environment

Technical & Professional Knowledge

Solid knowledge of the paint or similar industry as well as strategy expertise

Analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making ability as well as flexibility to adapt quickly to changes