BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Joint-Venture in China (BSBM)'s Director for Strategy, Marketing & Communication leads a team of 7-8 FTEs in the largest global automotive and CAM markets representing over 50% of Battery Material's (BM) current global sales and production capacity, as well as world's largest CE, powertools and e-bike markets in China. She/He is accountable for developing and executing the China strategy in alignment with global battery materials strategy, managing the Strategy and Marketing functions, overseeing BSBM's market positioning, and leading the Communications function. This role enables BSBM to deliver the China strategy, business case, and synergies to the global Battery Materials organization.
Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership • Develop and execute BSBM’s China strategy aligned with global BM priorities. • Shape business strategy to meet top- and bottom-line targets as part of the Management Team. • Lead annual strategic planning, identify risks, track execution, and ensure organization-wide focus on priorities.
2. JV Governance & Decision Making • Collaborate within GM and Functional Committees (CFO, COO, etc.) to develop business plans, budgets, and investment proposals. • Act as a bridge between JV partners and BASF headquarters in a complex Sino-German JV environment. • Manage shareholder communications and ensure timely reporting to GM, Chairman, and both shareholders.
3. Marketing & Market Intelligence • Lead the marketing function: market intelligence, product positioning, branding, and communication strategy. • Oversee annual marketing plans, industry analysis, competitor benchmarking, and messaging. • Drive commercial excellence, pricing strategies, and customer development in collaboration with Commercial teams.
4. CAPEX, Strategic Projects & Raw Material Strategy • Drive major investment projects and obtain necessary approvals from both JV shareholders. • Define raw material sourcing strategies jointly with JV partners and global Metal Management teams.
5. Stakeholder & Shareholder Management • Support Public & Shareholder Relations, including engagement with government and JV partner organizations. • Maintain strong relationships with key internal BASF stakeholders to align on strategic direction.
6. Communication Leadership • Oversee internal and external communications to ensure consistent positioning of the JV. • Develop key messages for stakeholders to strengthen BSBM’s market presence.
7. People Leadership • Lead and develop a diverse strategy, marketing, and communication team. • Foster a high performance, collaborative culture with strong capability-building and career development.
• Master of Business Administration or related business education • 10+ years work experience in combination of strategy, project management, ideally M&A, marketing with at least 3-5 years “hands-on” operational experience sales and or foreign trade or related commercial roles • Experience in the Lithium-ion / Battery Materials industry a strong advantage • Deep understanding of emerging markets, preferably China • Diverse background and enjoy working collaboratively and inclusively in a complex organization • Proven track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams • Ability to influence peer group, forge solid relationships across organization, and manage multiple stakeholders • Ideally leadership experience in leading diverse teams across cultures • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with high cultural awareness and experience in German-Sino business environment, local and Western business practices and sensible to cultural and societal dynamics when dealing with local Chinese companies • Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as shareholders and government as a plus • Strongly developed strategic thinking, analytical skills, and agility • Highly motivated, assertive, energetic with entrepreneurial drive • High sensitivity to confidential matters • Must be willing and able to travel intensively both internationally and domestically • English and Mandarin fluency is required, German a plus
