Supply Chain Research Executive

We are a leading chemical company, with the best teams developing intelligent solutions for our customers, and for a sustainable future.

We connect and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. For you, this means a variety of ways to progress.

Not only your performance but also your personality matter to us, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, orientation, and background. At BASF, careers develop from opportunities.

Objectives of the Position

• Support the senior manager in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data related to the supply chain service industry, supply chain management, customs regulations, and international trade flows.
• Combine critical thinking with meticulous attention to detail, capable of conducting research independently using a variety of sources.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
• Work closely with service units and global supply chain excellence team, where applicable to understand, analyze, interpret and present research findings in a comprehensive manner to the leadership team to support compliance and decision-making.
• Structure proper housekeeping of research data / findings and ensure information gathered, analyzed and presented are accurately recorded and stored.

Main Areas of Responsibilities and Key Activities

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research on supply chain processes, logistics trends, customs regulations, and related industry developments across different markets.
• Analyze trade data, customs clearance procedures, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers affecting the movement of goods internationally.
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and briefing papers for service delivery units and leadership team, synthesizing complex information into actionable insights.

Market Intelligence:

• Monitor development of focus topics (assignment basis/ on-going basis) - current events, policy changes, and emerging trends affecting supply chain management and cross-border trade.
• Research, track and document regulatory changes in customs law, trade agreements, and logistics best practices in key global markets.
• Establish and maintain databases of relevant industry news, import/export statistics, and customs / regulatory requirements to ensure up-to-date intelligence.
• Assist in preparing summaries of market intelligence regulatory updates in the form of reports/presentations for service delivery units, where required.

Data Management:

• Gather, clean, and organize quantitative and qualitative data from a range of sources: government portals, trade associations, industry reports, and proprietary databases.
• Use spreadsheet tools and research software to analyze data sets, identify patterns, and visualize findings for stakeholders.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data entered into research and analytics systems.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Proactively reach out to internal BASF process / business experts in Supply Chain and external logistics professionals (if required) to gain practical insights and validate research findings.
• Support the documentation of stakeholder feedback and help integrate these perspectives into research deliverables.

Project Support:

• Contribute to ad hoc research projects and support the design and execution of industry surveys, benchmarking studies, and case analyses.
• Assist in project management tasks including timeline tracking, status reporting, and coordination with other project team members and service delivery units.

Continuous Learning:

• Where required, participate in webinars and training sessions to remain current with the latest supply chain technologies, customs processes, and market dynamics, and prepare summary of key learnings and information for sharing with the leadership team.
• Build awareness of digital transformation initiatives, such as blockchain in logistics or e-customs implementations, and their impact on global trade

Job Requirements

• Min. Degree in supply chain management (logistics, transportation, international trade deliveries), business administration, international business. Other tertiary education can be considered with the availability of professional experience

Working Experience

• Minimum 2 to 3 years experience (JG3), 3-5 years experience (JG4)
• Prior internship or work experience in research, analytics, supply chain, or customs is a plus but not strictly required.
• Familiarity with global trade regulations, Incoterms, or customs documentation is advantageous.
• Experience with data analysis tools and online research platforms is beneficial.
• Experience in supporting operations of a shared service center or global business services is a plus but not strictly required.
• Good analytical skills; experience working with big data is a plus

Technical & Professional Knowledge

• Strong customer and service orientation, proactive seeks solutions and takes ownership of assigned tasks
• High proficiency in verbal and written English
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Able to produce impactful presentation slides in a short turnaround time
• Attention to detail – reviews work carefully to ensure accuracy
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively & respectfully with peers (team/group), contributing to a positive working environment
• Experience with ERP in supply chain preferred (SAP or other ERP) but not strictly required.
• Innovation orientation and openness for automation and digitalization
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Self-motivated and takes ownership for own professional growth and ongoing learning & development

The BASF Service Hub Kuala Lumpur (BASF Asia-Pacific Service Centre Sdn Bhd) is strategically located in the capital city of Malaysia. Since its inception in 2005, the hub has expanded from 130 employees to over 1,300 employees currently and is expected to keep growing. As an ISO 9001:2005 certified organization, the Service Hub Kuala Lumpur is committed to delivering high quality expertise and services in finance, people, supply chain, EHSQ (environment, health, safety, quality), product safety and digital. We take pride in providing our business services to BASF companies and affiliates across 20 markets in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Moreover, we offer our services in 8 different languages to cater to the diverse needs of our stakeholders. Our focus on competency and technology-driven solutions allows us to consistently deliver exceptional services, thereby contributing to the success of our businesses. BASF also has two other regional hubs located in Berlin, Germany, and Montevideo, Uruguay, which cover the European and American regions BASF Service Hub Kuala Lumpur was recognized with nine prestigious awards in 2024, reflecting its commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering workplace. These awards include winning the title of Operational Excellence in HR at the GBS Asia Awards 2024, multiple accolades at the Life at Work Awards 2024, where the hub was recognized as First Runner-up for Workplace Excellence (International Organization) and CEO Champion (International Organization), as well as Second Runner-up for Best International Organization. The hub also won the title for Excellence in Learning Tech Advancement System and a Certificate of Excellence in Talent Management and Leadership at the HRD Awards 2024. Furthermore, the hub secured a Bronze Award for Excellence in Digital Transformation at the HR Excellence Awards 2024 and received a Bronze Award for Human Resources Impact and an Honorary Award for Creative Talent Management Impact at the SSON Impact Awards Asia 2024 At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.