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BASF South Africa jobs and careers in South Africa
BASF South Africa is the local subsidiary of BASF SE — the world's largest chemical company, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany — operating commercial, technical, and distribution activities for BASF's chemical portfolio across South Africa and Southern Africa. BASF's product range spans agricultural solutions (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seeds), performance chemicals (coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals), care chemicals (ingredients for personal care and detergents), and industrial solutions.
Johannesburg (Head Office) Cape Town Durban Agricultural regions (field-based)
Evidence-led company research
What BASF South Africa jobs research shows
BASF South Africa is the local subsidiary of BASF SE — the world's largest chemical company, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany — operating commercial, technical, and distribution activities for BASF's chemical portfolio across South Africa and Southern Africa. BASF's product range spans agricultural solutions (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seeds), performance chemicals (coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals), care chemicals (ingredients for personal care and detergents), and industrial solutions.
Locations
Johannesburg (Head Office), Cape Town, Durban
Company size
700+
Role areas
Agronomist, Crop Protection Sales Specialist, Performance Chemicals Sales Engineer
Typical pay
R13,000–R100,000/month
Head office
Ludwigshafen
Founded
1920
What the work may be like
BASF SA's commercial environment rewards technical expertise — agricultural solutions agronomists spend significant time in farming areas advising on crop protection, while performance chemicals specialists work with industrial clients on application engineering. German corporate culture brings thoroughness, structured processes, and a strong safety and compliance emphasis.
The global parent's sustainability agenda creates genuine environmental purpose alongside commercial objectives.
Hiring and application process
Applications for BASF South Africa are submitted via the company’s global careers portal or local postings on South African job platforms. Sc in Agriculture or Agronomy for agricultural solutions positions and a chemistry or chemical engineering degree for industrial and performance chemicals roles, with a valid driver’s licence essential for field-based work.
The screening process typically includes CV review, online technical assessments, panel interviews with hiring managers and HR, and background checks, with the full timeline from application to offer usually spanning six to ten weeks. Prepare by aligning your experience with BASF’s sustainability focus in Southern Africa and practising technical questions on chemical processes or crop solutions.
Who may be a good fit
- Agricultural science and chemistry graduates who want technical commercial careers with the world's largest chemical company, and agronomists seeking a global employer with farming sector expertise and genuine sustainability credentials
- World's largest chemical company — BASF experience is globally respected across agricultural, industrial, and specialty chemical sectors
- Technical application focus means deep domain expertise is built and valued — agricultural and chemistry specialist credentials are enhanced at BASF
- Global BASF network across 90+ countries creates international career mobility for high-performing South African employees
What candidates should verify
- • Agricultural solutions field roles involve significant travel into farming regions — not suitable for candidates needing urban, fixed-location work
- • Smaller SA team relative to global BASF scale — domestic management progression is limited; international assignment often required for senior roles
- • Confirm salary, shift, location and campaign details in the live vacancy.
- • Use the employer's official application channel and never pay to apply.
Open roles at BASF South Africa
Current listings sourced from public employer and job-board pages.
There are no current public listings shown for this location. Roles can close quickly, so check the official careers page or create a free ShiftMate match alert.
What to expect
Career areas
Agronomist · Crop Protection Sales Specialist · Performance Chemicals Sales Engineer · Technical Application Specialist · Key Account Manager
Entry guidance
B.Sc Agriculture or Agronomy for agricultural solutions roles; chemistry or chemical engineering degree for industrial and performance chemicals roles; valid driver's licence for field positions
Hiring process
Applications for BASF South Africa are submitted via the company’s global careers portal or local postings on South African job platforms. Candidates must meet role-specific entry requirements, such as a B.Sc in Agriculture or Agronomy for agricultural solutions positions and a chemistry or chemical engineering degree for industrial and performance chemicals roles, with a valid driver’s licence essential for field-based work. The screening process typically includes CV review, online technical assessments, panel interviews with hiring managers and HR, and background checks, with the full timeline from application to offer usually spanning six to ten weeks. Prepare by aligning your experience with BASF’s sustainability focus in Southern Africa and practising technical questions on chemical processes or crop solutions.
Training
Training is listed in public company information for some roles. Confirm the details for the vacancy you apply to.
- World's largest chemical company
- Agricultural, performance and care chemicals portfolio
- Technical application and agronomist roles across SA farming regions
- German engineering rigour and sustainability commitment