Global Customs Preferential Management & Rules of Origin (Manager)

The Manager, Global Customs Preferential Management & Rules of Origin, is responsible for leading a team of specialists and ensuring the compliant, efficient, and high-quality execution of Preferential Management activities within the assigned region(s) and area of responsibility. This role ensures adherence to customs regulations, preferential origin requirements, and BASF compliance standards while actively maximizing the utilization and duty-saving potential of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for BASF Group companies. The position oversees preferential origin determination, supplier declaration management, origin-related customs processes, and advisory services to business units and group companies, while safeguarding BASF against compliance violations, financial penalties, and business risks arising from incorrect preferential origin determinations.

• Lead and supervise a team of specialists who coordinate, conduct analysis of products subject to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and prepare and maintain the data and documentation required under applicable FTAs.
• Contribute to collaboration and coordination with Business Unit leadership, Customs Country Custodians, and the Customs Management Team to support best practice implementation, optimize FTA processes, and support KPI reporting and performance monitoring.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaborate with stakeholders across different time zones.
• Participate and contribute in Preference Management regular meetings, monitor operational performance, and support the alignment of cost and KPI measures within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Oversee the solicitation, validation, and maintenance of data and documentation, including FTA certificates and long-term supplier agreements, from BASF suppliers to support preferential treatment and duty-saving opportunities for Business Units and BASF legal entities.
• Coordinate and oversee communication with BASF customers, Business Units, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that FTA requirements, responses, and origin-related obligations are met.
• Identify, evaluate, and support additional duty management and Free Trade Agreement utilization opportunities to enhance cost savings and customs efficiency within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Manage and support the implementation of process and system changes related to Free Trade Agreements in collaboration with IT, process owners, and relevant stakeholders.
• Apply an operational excellence mindset to review, standardize, and optimize end-to-end Preferential Management process flows, improving efficiency, quality, compliance, and customer service.

• Bachelor's degree/Masters in Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in the chemical industry and/or a Chemical Engineering background would be an advantage.
• 5–8 years of professional experience in Customs, Foreign Trade Compliance, Preferential Origin determination, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) management.
• Experience in Customs and/or Foreign Trade laws and regulations.
• Experience leading teams, coordinating cross-functional activities, or managing projects is preferred.
• Experience driving process improvement, operational excellence, or digitalization initiatives is an advantage.
• Experience working in a multinational and matrix organization.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaborate with stakeholders across different time zones.
• Strong knowledge of Preferential Origin determination, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and customs compliance requirements.
• Strong technical knowledge of HS tariff classification, rules of origin, and customs valuation principles.
• Good understanding of supplier declaration management and origin-related documentation requirements.
• Good knowledge of SAP master data systems, SAP ERP, and SAP GTS.
• Proficiency in data management, KPI monitoring, reporting, and operational analysis.
• Strong understanding of BASF products, markets, and business processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Structured and systematic work approach.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Experience in project management and change management is desirable.
• Ability to identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities through process optimization, standardization, automation, and digitalization initiatives.
• English (fluent in spoken and written)