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Operational Excellence Consulting

Germany

BASF Operational Excellence Consulting

Drive operational excellence from the inside

We create transparency, optimize processes, and transform organizations across BASF's global operations. With our profound knowledge of chemical operations, we support our internal clients in realizing step-changes in performance. We practice the art of structured problem-solving and foster a culture of continuous improvement for BASF businesses, functional units, plants and sites. Based on our clients' strategies, we enable them to turn objectives into key results.
 

Discover open positions in Operational Excellence Consulting

8.8

Client recommendation score 2025 on a scale from 0 (low) to 10 (optimal)

Our practices

Technical Process Optimization

Deep engineering meets strategic thinking. You will work on yield improvements, energy optimization, and process redesign – directly at the asset.

Plant & Site Development

Operational excellence meets site strategy. You develop site operating models, optimize service structures, and unlock cost efficiencies that strengthen site competitiveness.

Transformation Enablement 

Organizational change, operating model design, capability building. You make transformation stick – not just on paper, but in how teams actually work.

Why join BASF Operational Excellence Consulting?

You work on what matters
Our projects sit at the intersection of strategy and operations. You will not optimize a process that nobody implements. You will see your recommendations running.
You own the outcome
We do not hand off a report and leave. You stay with the client through execution. That changes how you think, how you scope, and how you lead.
You are trusted
An 8.8 client recommendation score means doors open faster. Stakeholders treat you as a partner, not a vendor.
You build real expertise
Advance personally and professionally by growing your skills on the job​ as well as via comprehensive training offers to enhance personal skillsets and an individual development plan.
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You grow into leadership
Many of our alumni have moved into leadership positions in operations, site management, technology, and research. Your experience as an OpEx consultant is valued in these and comparable positions.
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You balance work and life
Our flexible work arrangements and hybrid work standard enable you to balance your professional ambitions and your private goals.

What our colleagues say about their job(s)

FAQ

How is Operational Excellence Consulting different from BASF's other consulting streams?

We focus on the operational core – assets, processes, and the people who run them. While other streams may concentrate on strategy, digital, or commercial topics, we work where physical value creation happens. That said, cross-functional staffing across streams is common, so you will gain exposure beyond OpEx.

What does a typical project timeline look like?

Most projects run between three and nine months. Shorter sprints of four to six weeks exist for focused diagnostics. Longer transformations can extend to twelve months or more. You will typically work on two to three
projects per year, giving you variety without constant context-switching.

Do I need a chemical engineering background?

Not necessarily, but it is definitely helpful. Many of our strongest consultants come from chemical enginerring, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, business administration, or supply chain management. What matters is analytical rigor, curiosity about operations, and the ability to work at the interface of strategy and execution.

Where will I be based and how much do I travel?

Our main hubs are in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and we have regional consulting units in APAC and in the Americas. Travel depends on the project – some have close to zero travels, others may arrive at 30–60 % during active project phases. Remote/hybrid work is part of our model, and we do not believe in travel for the sake of travel.

What happens after OpEx Consulting? What are typical career paths?

Many alumni move to leadership positions in operations, site management, and technology across BASF. Others take on global roles in supply chain, production, or corporate strategy. The operational depth and leadership experience you build here opens doors across the organization – and beyond.

What does the recruiting process look like?

For permanent hires, four steps: online application, video interview, interview day (with case studies and multiple interviews), and job offer. For students and interns, three steps: online application, interview, and offer. Processes may vary slightly outside Germany.

Do I need to speak German?

English is the working language of BASF Inhouse Consulting. German is a must-have for colleagues joining our OpEx Consulting team in Germany; it is definitely helpful for daily business in Ludwigshafen but is not required for all roles. International candidates are actively welcomed.

Do you also have teams outside of Germany?

Yes, we do - to be closer to our customers in the regions, we have teams in the Americas and in Asia-Pacific.

Further Insights

Check out the BASF Inhouse Consulting LinkedIn channel, learn more about Inhouse Consulting at BASF and BASF as an employer.