Job Purpose
The Senior Technology Manager - Middle East & Africa leads all technical services and customer technical support activities across the Middle East & Africa region with a particular focus on KSA. Reporting directly to the Global Technical Services & Field-Testing Director, this role is a key member of the MEA Management Team and serves as point of contact between the MEA region and Global R&D.
The incumbent is accountable for building, coaching, and leading the MEA technical services team to deliver world-class customer and OEM support, drive product trials and validation, and provide training and technical insights that fuel commercial growth. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Strategy, and R&D, this role ensures seamless service delivery and development of differentiated value-added services to customers.
This position will provide large customers with direct application support regarding lubricants, hydraulic fluids, chemicals, and coolants for consumer, commercial and industrial applications as aligned with the MEA OGSM.
How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities)
- Technical Leadership & Coordination:
- Lead and oversee all technical service and support activities across MEA.
- Build and coach the regional technical services team.
- Act as the primary interface with Global R&D. Provide leadership updates to Management Team.
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- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Product Strategy, and R&D to support product launches, business development, and go-to-market strategies.
- Deliver technical insights and ensure transparent reporting to regional and global leadership.
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- Key Customers & OEM Support:
- Provide executive oversight on technical support to OEMs, distributors, fleets, and industrial clients.
- Personally manage strategic customers where required. Coach the team on technical proposals, oil analysis, training, and troubleshooting.
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- Field Testing & Product Validation:
- Direct regional field trials, ensuring rigorous planning, monitoring, and execution.
- Oversee data acquisition and analysis with R&D to support approvals and product improvement.
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- Complaints Handling:
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- Lead resolution of high-impact customer complaints through structured root cause analysis.
- Collaborate with quality and supply chain to prevent recurrence.
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- Product recommendation / market insights:
- Provide market intelligence to Global R&D and Marketing.
- Translate customer needs and competitor insights into product recommendations.
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- Manage technical CVPs / Services:
- Oversee development of technical customer value propositions and service offerings.
- Manage oil analysis programs and condition monitoring systems.
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- HSSE Leadership & Coaching
- Ensure a strong safety culture by coaching the technical services team on health, safety, security, and environmental compliance. Actively monitor adherence to regulations and corporate HSSE standards.
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- Training & Knowledge Development
- Design and oversee regional training plans for internal staff and external stakeholders. Lead execution of technical seminars, customer events, product launches, and internal enablement sessions. Ensure training programs align with commercial growth objectives.
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What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities)
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field required, Master’s preferred.
- Proficiency in Arabic and English required.
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- 10+ years in technical services, lubricants, or related industries, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record in field testing, complaint handling, and customer technical engagement across multiple countries.
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- CLS (Certified Lubrication Specialist) or equivalent desirable.
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Competencies Desired
Candidates with the following will be given preferential consideration:
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- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Technical depth in lubricants and mechanical systems.
- Skilled in managing field trials and analyzing performance data.
- Strategic mindset with commercial acumen.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commitment to safety and compliance.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements
- Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: Office setting
- Travel Requirements: up to 30% including international travel across MEA
