Lubricants Technical Manager

Lubricants Technical Manager
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Employer: TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Type of Contract: Regular Position
Experience: Minimum 3 years

Context & Environment

The challenge lies in balancing upstream LMP activities and downstream sales to ensure business continuity. Internal and external constraints include evolving safety requirements regarding raw materials, an uncertain South African regulatory environment, and high turnover in non-technical support staff.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• Continuously manage and update the lubricants product range to meet local and regional market demands.
• Stay updated on technical developments by attending conferences and relevant SAIT events.
• Plan for future product needs for local production and importation.
• Manage the product life cycle through the UMDS process: trial blends, labels, code creations, implementation, SDS, and rationalization.
• Monitor downstream quality and advise on corrective actions.
• Assist in digitizing lubricants technical processes using Microsoft Office 365 in collaboration with IT.

Lubricant Sales

• Implement the lubricants roadmap for product modifications and assist the sales team with new product offerings.
• Help reduce product costs to maintain market competitiveness.
• Ensure professional, accurate, and timely technical services, including product applications, site audits, oil analysis interpretation, and product training.
• Support sales staff, call centers, business support, marketing, and LMP in understanding customer needs.
• Communicate product changes and modifications.

HSEQ Compliance

• Adhere to company HSEQ and security standards (Golden Rule and Near Miss reporting) to minimize risks and protect company assets.
• Ensure raw material use complies with TotalEnergies safety standards.
• Monitor and notify global/regional SDS teams about safety data sheet requirements.
• Ensure products meet specifications and implement updates as necessary.
• Resolve customer product complaints professionally and timely.

Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Appropriate Engineering degree (preferably Chemical or Mechanical Engineering; BEng, BSC, or equivalent).
• Experience: 3-5 years in a technical role within the lubricants or lubrication industry. Some sales experience is advantageous.
• Skills:
  • Excellent knowledge of lubricants products and applications in the industry.
  • Familiarity with TotalEnergies and competitor products.
  • Experience in product development, oil analysis, complaints handling, and technical applications.

Additional Information

TotalEnergies values diversity and promotes individual growth, offering equal opportunity careers.

apply here