Sr. Technology & Services Manager - KSA

Why Valvoline Global Operations?

At Valvoline Global Operations, we're proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we've never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world's first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Complaints Handling

• Lead resolution of high-impact customer complaints through structured root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with quality and supply chain to prevent recurrence.

Product recommendation / market insights

• Provide market intelligence to Global R&D and Marketing.
• Translate customer needs and competitor insights into product recommendations.

Manage technical CVPs / Services

• Oversee development of technical customer value propositions and service offerings.
• Manage oil analysis programs and condition monitoring systems.

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.

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.

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.
• 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.
• CLS (Certified Lubrication Specialist) or equivalent desirable.

Competencies Desired

Candidates with the following will be given preferential consideration:

• 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