Technical Service Manager - Refining Catalysts

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.


What You Can Expect

Technical Service Manager – Refining Catalysts is responsible for delivering technical expertise and customer support across BASF’s FCC catalyst and additive portfolio. The role partners closely with refinery customers, commercial teams, manufacturing, R&D, and product management to optimize catalyst performance, solve complex operational challenges, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable business growth.

• Provide expert technical support for FCC catalyst and additive applications, including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and refinery unit optimization
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through technical reviews, site visits, performance assessments, start-ups, and turnaround support
• Analyze refinery operating data and catalyst performance to identify improvement opportunities and deliver value-driven recommendations
• Lead the resolution of complex technical and operational challenges while ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives
• Support business growth by collaborating with commercial teams on customer retention, technical value selling, and new business opportunities
• Partner with R&D, manufacturing, product management, and technology teams to develop, evaluate, and commercialize innovative catalyst solutions
• Manage technical projects and customer deliverables while ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and compliance
• Collaborate with licensors, laboratories, consultants, and industry experts to deliver best-in-class technical solutions and customer service
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance technical processes, operational effectiveness, and customer satisfaction
• Represent BASF as a trusted technical advisor and industry expert within the refining sector
  
  
  

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 5 years of direct FCC experience, gained within a refinery, licensor, catalyst supplier, additive manufacturer, or a combination of these environments
• Strong knowledge of FCC catalyst technologies, refinery operations, process optimization, and refinery economics
• Proven ability to evaluate catalyst performance, analyze operating data, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide actionable recommendations
• Experience leading technical projects and working effectively within cross-functional and customer-focused environments
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technical solutions to measurable customer value
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Customer-oriented mindset with the ability to build long-term partnerships across diverse stakeholders
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of working time
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities