Technical Manager

CSG Talent; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international lubricants company in Gravesend is seeking a Technical Manager to oversee formulation strategy and product performance. This senior role requires expertise in lubricants additives or base oils, along with strong commercial and technical skills. The successful candidate will manage supplier engagement and drive sustainability initiatives while leading technical negotiations. This opportunity offers strategic ownership and visibility across various teams within an established organization.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the lubricants or base oils industry is required.
• Proven track record in formulation, blending, and manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of product claims management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimisation of lubricant formulations.
• Engage technically with suppliers and partners.
• Oversight of testing programmes and technical documentation.

Skills

Lubricants additives or base oils industry experience

Formulation expertise

Understanding of performance specifications

Knowledge of chemical regulatory compliance

Commercial exposure to supplier strategies

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

CSG Talent is supporting a leading international organisation in the lubricants, base oils and industrial fluids sector with the appointment of a Technical Manager for its European business.

This is a senior technical leadership hire and an outstanding opportunity for a specialist to take ownership of formulation strategy, product performance, compliance governance and supplier engagement across a complex and evolving product portfolio.

The Technical Manager will act as the technical authority for the organisation's lubricants business, with responsibility across:

Development, maintenance and optimisation of lubricant formulations

Ownership of product performance claims, approvals and technical documentation

Technical engagement with additive, base oil and chemical suppliers to ensure competitiveness and innovation

Leading technical negotiations with third-party manufacturers and partners

Oversight of external laboratories, testing programmes, sampling and reporting

Providing technical training and support across internal teams and customer-facing functions

Supporting sustainability initiatives and technical cost-efficiency programmes

Representing the business within relevant industry boards, OEM frameworks and regulatory bodies

To be considered for this opportunity, we require the below skill set and experience:

Essential Industry Experience

• Due to the highly specialised nature of the portfolio, lubricants additives or base oils industry experience is essential.

Proven expertise in formulation, blending and manufacturing environments

Strong understanding of performance specifications, OEM approvals and product claims management

Working knowledge of chemical and oil regulatory compliance

Commercial exposure to supplier strategy, additive technology partnerships and cost optimisation

Degree-qualified background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering or related discipline (desirable)

Why This Opportunity?

This is a rare chance to step into a highly influential technical leadership role within a well-established and growing international organisation operating across multiple European markets.

The position offers:

Strategic ownership of technical governance

High visibility across commercial, procurement and manufacturing teams

Long-term investment and transformation focus within the lubricants space