Technical Service Manager – Refining Catalysts (Europe)

About the role

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.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert support on catalyst performance, additive applications, troubleshooting, and refinery unit optimisation.
• Lead technical reviews, site visits, startups, turnarounds and performance assessments to build trusted relationships with refinery customers.
• Partner with Commercial, R&D, Manufacturing, Product Management and Global Technology teams to support customer retention and drive business growth.
• Conduct catalyst evaluations, refinery data analysis and resolve complex FCC operating challenges.
• Support technical projects, resource planning and continuous improvement of processes, tools, safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Liaise with industry experts, licensors, laboratories and consultants to ensure high‑level service delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in refining, FCC operations, catalyst technologies or process engineering with strong understanding of refinery economics.
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and delivering complex projects in a customer‑focused environment.
• Deep expertise in FCC catalyst technology and refinery operations, including direct customer engagement.
• Strong business acumen and stakeholder management skills, with willingness to travel ~30% of working time.

Required skills

• FCC catalyst technology expertise
• Refinery data analysis
• Process engineering
• Technical troubleshooting of FCC units

What we offer

• CCNL (National Chemical Collective Agreement)
• Gross annual salary between €85,000 and €100,000, based on skills and experience
• Variable bonus and corporate welfare program
• Company car for business and personal use
• Flexible remote working model within the country and adjustable schedule
• High‑impact regional role focused purely on FCC catalysts