Head of Global Seeds Sourcing

About the position

We are looking for the Head of Global Seeds Sourcing to join our Agricultural Solutions team based in Research Triangle Park, NC. BASF's Agricultural Solutions division connects innovation, customers, partners and agricultural experts and integrates sustainability criteria into all business decisions. We help farmers deliver the best possible outcomes, working to achieve the balance between economic, environmental, and social value creation for sustainable and efficient agriculture. As the Head of Global Seeds Sourcing, you will work closely with key stakeholders both locally and globally to ensure compliance with policies and standards while safeguarding business interests in procurement decisions and the negotiation of supply contracts. In addition to collaborating with various internal stakeholders from Seed Supply, Supply Chain, Legal, EHS, Quality, Regulatory, Stewardship, and Procurement, you will engage with suppliers, multipliers, and growers.

Responsibilities

• Leading the global Seed Sourcing Team across all Seeds & Traits (S&T) sourcing activities, while modeling BASF values and principles.
• Managing, coaching, and developing team members to strengthen individual performance and overall team capability.
• Enhancing procurement processes for APT Seeds & Traits sourcing in alignment with BASF Procurement Guidelines and Governance, while ensuring internal controls and global change management are in place.
• Driving functional competencies such as sourcing strategies, contract and supplier management, and business partnering to support global and regional S&T supply strategies.
• Engaging key stakeholders to implement global and regional seed sourcing strategies, incorporating risk management and portfolio-wide exposure into decision-making.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and structuring contracts to ensure secure, cost-effective supply that meets business needs.

Requirements

• Hold a B.S. in a technical, supply chain, business, or other relevant field of study; a higher degree (M.S.) is preferred.
• Possess additional certifications in supply chain or project management, which are considered a plus.
• Bring 10-15 years of experience in a global strategic sourcing environment, or other relevant field preferred, ideally within the agricultural or seeds industry.
• Have at least 8 years of experience leading global teams or project implementations.
• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills essential for strategic sourcing management.
• Showcase solid knowledge of the agroindustry, with specific insight into the seeds business, considered an advantage.
• Deliver experience in setting category strategies and conducting market analysis for Seeds & Traits, including multipliers, growers, R&D, packaging, and capital projects, preferred.
• Have led complex contract negotiations for supply or manufacturing arrangements.
• Are able to travel up to 30%, domestically and internationally.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!