Production Systems and Digitalization Lead - Port Elizabeth

Leveraging its deep expertise as the global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world.  Protecting our elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. 

ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with approximately 20 production sites and over 4,000 employees.

What you can expect

The incumbent will be responsible for leading the stability, integration, and advancement of all digital production systems across the manufacturing environment. The incumbent also be responsible for driving the deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management of core systems — including production servers, MES platforms, application integrations, and digital automation projects. Duties will include the following:

•     Managing and maintaining the complete production application and server landscape (including SQL/Oracle databases, MES systems, and automation platforms)
•     Driving long-term reliability, security, and performance of critical systems supporting manufacturing operations
•     Owning system architecture documentation, operational standards, and production application lifecycle management
•     Implementing and administering MES platforms (e.g. Wonderware/AVEVA), SCADA environments, and historian databases
•     Serving as project owner on integration initiatives without developing code - ensuring fit-for-purpose solutions and post-go-live support
•     Identifying opportunities to digitalize manual processes and deploying fit-for-purpose digital tools
•     Delivering and maintaining custom applications or automation workflows using Microsoft Power Platform (PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI)
•     Promoting data-driven decision-making by managing application-level analytics and reporting capability
•     Leading and managing automation, and application-related projects using structured methodologies
•     Coordinating user acceptance testing, documentation, and stakeholder engagement for all rollouts and system changes
•     Implementing and maintaining automation security measures, patch management, and secure access policies
•     Ensuring backup and disaster recovery readiness for production-related digital assets
•     Driving technical standardization across site and contributing to global or regional initiatives where systems alignment is required
•     Participating in global working groups, knowledge sharing forums, and strategic reviews relating to production systems and digital enablement

What we expect

•     Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechatronic, Industrial) and/or Information Systems / Computer Science
•     Minimum of 10 years' experience in Manufacturing, Production IT, Automation Systems, or Industrial Digitalization
•     Hands-on experience with MES environments (preferably Wonderware/AVEVA), SCADA, and historian systems
•     Proven ability to lead SAP-related system implementation projects (integration, rollout, vendor coordination)
•     Experience in cybersecurity practices for industrial systems, MOC governance, and industrial IT auditing preferred

We offer

Responsibility from day one in a challenging work environment and on-the-job training as part of a committed team. Competitive compensation including attractive benefits as well as excellent career  opportunities in an international company. BASF is an equal opportunity employer which we embrace diversity and the principles of employment equity.

Closing date: 24 June 2025