Global Technical and Process Development Manager

About the role

BASF is seeking a Global Technical and Process Development Manager for its Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) business in Freeport, Texas. The role bridges laboratory innovation and large‑scale manufacturing, driving process innovation and ensuring new products are introduced profitably, sustainably, and in line with customer requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead global efforts to innovate kneader technology and drive process improvements.
• Manage operations of the ORP‑10 laboratory and provide lab support across sites.
• Scale up learnings from lab‑scale and pilot‑plant experiments to world‑scale plants in Freeport (FP) and Camacari (CA).
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and customer‑facing teams to meet profitability and sustainability targets for new product introductions.
• Provide on‑demand technical guidance to manufacturing units, ensuring optimal process and quality control.
• Develop and maintain long‑term technical know‑how within the SAP community through training, coaching, and documentation.
• Oversee process lab safety, compliance, and efficient operation in line with BASF regulations.
• Act as primary contact for local process and asset management, ensuring continuous compliance and risk mitigation.

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline with at least 10 years of experience, or 15 years of laboratory and technical experience.
• Proven track record in process scale‑up and pilot‑plant operations within the petrochemical or polymer industry.
• Strong ability to work across global, cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset.

Required skills

• Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) technology
• Kneader technology
• Process scale‑up and pilot‑plant operations
• Lab‑scale experimentation
• Process safety and asset management