Procurement Manager - Contract Manufacturing

BASF SE • Southfield, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Procurement Manager – Contract Manufacturing to join our Coatings team in Southfield, MI. BASF Coatings LLC is seeking a results-driven, detail-oriented Procurement Manager to lead procurement and commercial management activities for third-party manufacturing of automotive coatings and surface treatment products. In this role, you will own key supplier relationships and ensure reliable, competitive contract manufacturing that meets BASF Coating’s safety, quality, cost, and service requirements. You will serve as the primary interface between BASF Coatings and contract manufacturers, partnering closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Product Management, and Operations to deliver supply security, support business growth, and drive continuous improvement across multiple technologies. Depending on business needs, this role may also support procurement activities related to raw materials and/or packaging.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering (with commercial experience), or a related field.
• Experience in procurement, supply chain, or commercial management, preferably in a multinational or complex matrix organization.
• Experience developing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to translate business priorities into clear execution plans.
• A structured problem-solving mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivation, and commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• The ability to proactively communicate and influence across functions and sites; build strong working relationships with internal partners and suppliers to deliver results.
• Strong SAP and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to leverage systems and data to drive visibility, discipline, and efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Chemical industry, Automotive industry, or manufacturing environment experience preferred.
• Raw material procurement experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serving as the primary liaison between BASF Coatings Procurement, Supply Chain, and contract manufacturer operations to proactively prevent, mitigate, and resolve supply disruptions.
• Ensuring accuracy and completeness of procurement data, contracts, and pricing.
• Working with suppliers to meet BASF Coating’s safety, quality, regulatory, and audit requirements.
• Aligning internal stakeholders and external partners on day-to-day execution and strategic initiatives, ensuring clear communication, timely decision-making, and effective follow-through.
• Ensuring commercial competitiveness of products produced on BASF Coatings’ behalf by third parties.
• Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve contract manufacturing performance related to cost, quality, service, and responsiveness.
• Support product or technology changes involving third-party production.

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 surrogation 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees