📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Strategic Brand and Marketing Communications Manager
🔹 Company: BASF SE
🔹 Location: Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days in-office)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing multi-year launch plans and marketing communications for new Herbicide and Insecticide active ingredients
- Providing leadership and consultation to regional marketing communications teams
- Supporting strategic roadmap communication internally and externally
- Collaborating with global teams on messaging, branding, and more
- Working closely with various stakeholders, including senior executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute marketing communication strategies for new Herbicide and Insecticide active ingredients, including brand name development, positioning, technical materials, video assets, advertising, major event presence, and more
✅ Provide leadership, oversight, and consultation to regional and country marketing communications teams to ensure active ingredient brands are positioned in the market according to global and regional needs, budget, and timelines
✅ Support the VP Crop System Wheat & Portfolio Solutions Herbicides and the VP Crop System Rice & Portfolio Solutions Insecticides / Seed Treatment in communicating relevant strategic roadmaps internally and externally
✅ Actively participate in the Wheat Crop System Extended Core Team, providing strategic communications consultation and guidance to global teams on messaging, branding, and more
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field with an emphasis on branding/marketing communications
Experience: Minimum 10 years of strategic communications experience, including significant experience in agriculture
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and collaboration skills
- Ability to understand and simplify business and technical information under tight deadlines
- Experience leading and managing external agency partners
- Experience developing and executing communication plans and leading branding development processes for new active ingredients
- Demonstrated ability to work within a large matrixed company to achieve organizational goals
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in strategic communications, with a focus on branding and marketing communications, and a proven track record in the agriculture industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)
Benefits:
- Flexible work arrangements
- Highly competitive retirement savings plan
- Well-being programs, including comprehensive mental health support
- Family forming benefits
- Back-up child and elder care
- Mentoring and career development opportunities
- Matching gifts program
- Employee crisis support
- Access to BASF wine cellar and employee discounts
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing, with a focus on Agricultural Solutions
Company Size: 10,000+ employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: 1865, with a rich history and strong global presence
Company Description:
- BASF is the world's leading chemical company, with a portfolio comprising six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Nutrition & Care, Surface Technologies, and Agricultural Solutions
- The company combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, aiming to be the preferred chemical company to enable customers' green transformation
- BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024 and has around 112,000 employees in its Group
Company Specialties:
- Chemicals
- Performance Products
- Functional Materials & Solutions
- Agricultural Solutions
Company Website: www.basf.com
ASSUMPTION: BASF's extensive global presence and diverse portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Team Lead Marketing Communications & Brand Management, Limburgerhof/Germany, with a dotted reporting line to the Vice President Crop System Wheat & Portfolio Solutions Herbicides and the Vice President Crop System Rice & Portfolio Solutions Insecticides / Seed Treatment
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the RTP, NC office
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on high-impact projects with global reach
- Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Chance to develop and refine skills in strategic communications, branding, and project management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of global strategy, marketing communications, and the agriculture industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the RTP, NC office
Office Location(s): Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
Geographic Context:
- The Research Triangle Park (RTP) is a major research park in North Carolina, home to numerous technology and pharmaceutical companies
- The area offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities
- RTP is conveniently located near Raleigh and Durham, providing easy access to additional amenities and services
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The Research Triangle Park location offers a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final interview with the Team Lead Marketing Communications & Brand Management and/or other senior leaders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Industry-specific knowledge and experience
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic communications, branding, and project management in the agriculture industry
- Research BASF's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit for the organization
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company to show your interest and engagement
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Brand Development, Marketing Communications, Global Strategy, Agriculture, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Matrixed Organization, Cross-Functional Teams, External Agency Partners
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on the team's preferences and the organization's standards.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- We create chemistry for a sustainable future
- We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility
- We empower our employees with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a focus on teamwork and stakeholder engagement
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivering results and driving growth
- Innovative and forward-thinking, with a commitment to continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with BASF's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility?
- How do you approach working with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners?
- How do you balance strategic thinking with practical execution and delivery?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with BASF's values and work style, as well as a commitment to the company's mission and goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional travel, both domestically and internationally
- The position involves working in a matrixed organization, which can present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
- The agriculture industry can be subject to regulatory changes and market fluctuations, requiring adaptability and flexibility
- The role may involve managing multiple projects and deadlines, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and sometimes challenging work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on global strategic brand and marketing communications for the Agricultural Solutions division, with a specific emphasis on Herbicides and Insecticides
- Compared to related roles in other divisions or industries, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of global strategy, marketing communications, and the agriculture industry
- Career paths for this role may include progression to senior leadership positions within the Agricultural Solutions division or other relevant divisions within BASF
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar roles within and outside of BASF.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive marketing communications plan for the launch of a new Herbicide active ingredient, including brand name development, positioning, technical materials, video assets, advertising, major event presence, and more
- Collaborating with regional and country marketing communications teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging for an Insecticide active ingredient across multiple markets
- Supporting the VP Crop System Wheat & Portfolio Solutions Herbicides and the VP Crop System Rice & Portfolio Solutions Insecticides / Seed Treatment in communicating strategic roadmaps internally and externally
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the work involved in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall strategic vision for the Agricultural Solutions division and BASF as a whole?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within BASF, both within the Agricultural Solutions division and other relevant divisions?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the organization as a whole?
- How does BASF support work-life balance for its employees, particularly for those in hybrid or remote roles?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate their interest and engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching BASF's mission, values, and culture, and practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company to show your interest and engagement
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
