Technical Service Manager, Refining Catalysts (Europe)

WELCOME TO BASF

BASF is a leader in innovative catalysts for the petroleum refining industry. Through its Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts, additives, and expert technical services, the business helps customers maximize the production of high-value fuels and petrochemicals while addressing their unique operational needs. With a strong focus on customer-driven research and development, BASF continuously develops innovative solutions that enhance refinery efficiency, flexibility, and profitability.

The sales centre for BASF plc and the business service functions for all BASF Group companies operating in the UK, are located in Stockport, Greater Manchester, the headquarters of the BASF Group in the UK.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

As a member of BASF's Global FCC Technical Service team, you will play a critical role in maximizing customer value, refinery performance, and business growth across our FCC catalyst portfolio. Acting as a trusted advisor to customers and a key link between commercial, technical, manufacturing, and innovation teams, you will drive technical excellence, strengthen customer partnerships, and help shape the future of FCC technology solutions.

• Play a critical role BASF's FCC Technical Service team, providing expert support on catalyst performance, additive applications, troubleshooting, and refinery unit optimization to deliver outstanding customer outcomes.


• Build trusted relationships with refinery customers by leading technical reviews, site visits, startups, turnarounds, and performance assessments, while serving as a key technical advisor.


• Partner with Commercial, R&D, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Global Technology teams to support customer retention, drive business growth, and successfully develop and commercialize new solutions.


• Deliver technical excellence through catalyst evaluations, refinery data analysis, and resolution of complex FCC operating challenges, ensuring recommendations align with both customer and business objectives.


• Drive operational effectiveness by supporting technical projects, resource planning, customer deliverables, and continuous improvements to processes, tools, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.


• Liaise with industry experts, licensors, laboratories, and consultants to ensure high levels of service delivery to our customers.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.


• Significant experience in refining, FCC operations, catalyst technologies, technical service, or process engineering, with a strong understanding of refinery economics and customer requirements.


• Proven track record of leading technical teams and delivering complex projects in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.


• Deep expertise in FCC catalyst technology and refinery operations, including direct customer engagement and technical problem-solving.


• Strong business acumen, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical solutions into customer value and willingness to travel as needed.


• Availability to travel ~30% of your working time.

WHAT WE OFFER

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future.

We offer a total package which includes:

• Attractive salary


• Bonus


• Defined contribution pension scheme


• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays


• Company share scheme


• Private healthcare


• Life insurance


• Company Car or Car Allowance

We believe that diversity and inclusion make the difference. Only when people with diverse backgrounds come together, contribute their various experiences and attitudes, and look at challenges from different perspectives, will creative innovations and ground-breaking solutions be created. We celebrate diversity and we actively promote an inclusive work environment. In the UK we have an active Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Action Group and work closely with external partner Inclusive Employers. We are an equal opportunities employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard or reference to age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status and other protected characteristics. For more information please visit: https://www.basf.com/gb/en/careers/why-join-basf/basf-locally.html

Location: Home-based in the UK (linked to Stockport office), with regular travel (UK & Western Europe).

Closing Date: 19.10.2026

ABOUT US

Since 1880, BASF has been a cornerstone of industry in the UK. With locations spanning from Littlehampton on England's South Coast to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, our presence is truly nationwide. Our UK headquarters in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is the hub for our dedicated sales and services teams.

From our manufacturing sites across the UK, we supply essential raw materials to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, chemicals, construction, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Discover more about our incredible BASF UK team and their contributions to innovation and sustainability here: https://www.basf.com/gb/en/who-we-are/BASF-in-the-United-Kingdom

At BASF, our culture is driven by strong core values and winning behaviors. We foster innovation, collaboration, and empower every team member to contribute to our success. Explore Our Winning Behaviors & Our Values to see how we create a dynamic and inclusive workplace.