Global Category Buyer

Now hiring! Global Category Buyer

Location: Houston, TX or Florham Park, NJ (office‑based role; no relocation package planned at this stage)

We are looking for a Global Category Buyer to join our Global Procurement team. 

Where the chemistry happens…

Global Direct and Logistics Procurement (GPD) oversees the strategic procurement of raw materials and logistics services for the BASF Group worldwide. Within this framework, Direct Procurement manages the procurement of raw materials for BASF sites globally and across the Americas. This includes over 100 regionally managed categories such as power, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, amines, and plastic additives. The team also optimizes the procurement of raw materials via distribution partners and negotiates contract manufacturing agreements.

At BASF, we create chemistry by enabling competitive, reliable, and sustainable supply chains that power our value chains worldwide. As Global Category Buyer for Industrial Gases (Tonnage), you will play a strategic role in securing long‑term supply of critical industrial gases, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive value, reliability, and sustainability across the business.

As a Global Category Buyer, you create chemistry by...

• Defining and developing global sourcing strategies for industrial gases in close alignment with the Global Category Manager and internal customers
• Negotiating, executing, and implementing long‑term supply contracts with key suppliers
• Ensuring competitive pricing, high reliability of supply, and contract compliance across BASF sites
• Monitoring contract performance and proactively resolving contractual or operational issues
• Identifying and driving cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining best‑in‑class supply security
• Collaborating with technical, operational, and procurement stakeholders across regions
• Supporting sourcing initiatives for green and blue hydrogen, renewable raw materials, and energy
• Contributing to sustainability goals, including reduction of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

If you...

• Have an engineering background and/or plant or operations experience within the chemical or industrial environment
• Bring experience in project work, contract management, or commodity and energy markets
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills combined with a pragmatic, result-oriented mindset
• Are an effective negotiator with the ability to balance commercial and technical considerations
• Communicate confidently with stakeholders at different levels, including senior management
• Have a solid technical understanding of industrial processes and supply concepts
• Are experienced with SAP (Cobalt R/3) and MS Office tools
• Are willing to work in a global environment with regional responsibility

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• 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!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.