Technical Manager

Moove Lubricants; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global lubricants company in Gravesend is looking for a Technical Manager to oversee product portfolio formulations and ensure compliance. The role includes managing technical training, leading product strategies, and collaborating across departments. Candidates should have over 8 years of relevant experience, a degree in a related field, and strong analytical and communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

25 days holiday

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Medicash EAP

Free parking

Enhanced Family Leave

Qualifications

• 8+ years in technical, chemical or engineering roles.
• Expert knowledge of lubricants formulation and manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical aspects of product portfolio formulations.
• Oversee technical training and service delivery.
• Ensure chemical and product regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation capabilities

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Engineering, Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

Technical Manager – Moove Europe

Full time, permanent | Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm | Minimum three days a week in our Gravesend office

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as our Technical Manager, playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering Moove’s product portfolio across Europe. Reporting into our Portfolio & Product Management area, you’ll connect Supply Chain, Operations, Revenue and Customer teams to build and grow a market‑leading, profitable and future‑ready range of lubricant solutions.

As Technical Manager, you will lead all technical aspects of Moove’s European product portfolio formulations, while building strong relationships with suppliers, customers and internal teams. You’ll manage our Technical team, working closely with our Procurement, Manufacturing and Quality teams to champion best practice, and represent Moove within key industry bodies.

Responsibilities

• Product Formulation & Portfolio Management
  • Develop, maintain and optimise formulations for Moove and private‑label products, ensuring performance, quality and commercial competitiveness.
  • Build strong partnerships with raw material and technology suppliers to ensure a cost‑effective, innovative product offer.
  • Lead formulation strategies that drive COGS reductions, efficiencies and long‑term product lifecycle plans.
  • Monitor and interpret market technical trends to guide Moove’s future product direction.
  • Lead technical negotiations with suppliers, base oil manufacturers and additive providers.
• Technical Services, Training & Application Support
  • Oversee technical training and service delivery for Moove teams and customers across all relevant geographies.
  • Manage product sampling, testing, engineering support services and technical reporting.
  • Advise on product application data and support the resolution of technical enquiries and potential claims.
• Regulatory & Compliance Management
  • Ensure full chemical and product regulatory compliance across all markets, including MSDSs and label requirements.
  • Manage technical approvals, OEM claims and industry certifications.
• Cross‑Business Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide technical insight to Manufacturing, Supply, Procurement, Marketing and Sales to enable growth, margin improvement and operational efficiency.
  • Support sustainability initiatives, including identifying Scope 2 & 3 reduction opportunities.
  • Lead technical governance, including the Formulations Steering Committee.
  • Represent Moove in industry organisations such as the UKLA and VLS.
• Leadership & Governance
  • Manage, mentor and develop the Technical and Compliance team.
  • Oversee OPEX for the area.
  • Contribute to global governance within Moove’s Technology & Compliance function.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong leadership experience gained over 8+ years in technical, chemical or engineering roles with increasing responsibility.
• Degree in Engineering, Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (Master’s/MBA desirable).
• Expert knowledge of lubricants formulation, blending, applications and manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of base oils, additives, chemical markets and product regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, commercial and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify technical detail.
• Proven stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities.
• Ability to prioritise effectively, manage competing demands and see the “big picture”.
• Experience with Salesforce, Excel and ideally SAP S/4HANA.

Desirable

• Experience in sustainability initiatives within product portfolios.
• Understanding of product lifecycle management, BI tools (Phocas/Tableau) or Monday.com.
• Cross‑cultural intelligence and second language capability.

Attitudes That Make You a Moover

• Naturally curious, positive and solutions‑focused.
• Strategic thinker who remains pragmatic and grounded.
• Strong communicator and confident decision‑maker.
• Autonomous, resilient and commercially minded.

In return for joining us as Technical Manager, you will receive

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme (company match up to 7%)
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Medicash EAP and perks
• Free parking
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Company events
• A global organisation that values its people and encourages development

Interested in becoming a Moover?

Join us as our Technical Manager and help shape the future of our global lubricants portfolio. Apply today—we’d love to hear from you!

Please note: If you have not heard from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that on this occasion we are unable to progress.