Technology Research Manager

alfanar Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 299,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and manufacturing firm in Riyadh is seeking a Technology Scouting Lead to spearhead initiatives that identify emerging trends and innovations in medium-voltage switchgear and digital solutions. This role requires over 15 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and a strong background in R&D leadership. The successful candidate will develop technology roadmaps, guide strategic partnerships, and ensure alignment with business objectives, ensuring the firm's competitiveness in energy and electrical solutions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant work experience in technology scouting and R&D.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles.
• Experience in leading technology collaborations and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology scouting initiatives identifying emerging trends.
• Guide R&D teams in validating innovative concepts.
• Build collaborations with universities and technology partners.

Skills

Quality Compliance

Engineering Research

Research Analysis

Education

Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant field

Job description

Overview

Requisition ID: 22262

City: MV Manag.

Group overview:

Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we operate construction and manufacturing businesses, design & development centers and a host of facilities in the Middle East and other countries.

alfanar is involved in:

• Electrical, Electromechanical and Civil Engineering Construction
• Manufacturing and Marketing Electrical Construction Products
• Allied Engineering Services

Our Main Divisions:

• alfanar electric
• alfanar Construction
• alfanar Building Systems

alfanar electric

alfanar electric is the industrial arm of alfanar, manufacturing a variety of low, medium and high voltage electrical construction products.

alfanar electric operates industries in:

• Riyadh and Jubail, Saudi Arabia
• Dubai, UAE
• London, UK

alfanar has a development and engineering center in Chennai, India.

Industrial Complex, Riyadh

The center of alfanar’s industrial activities is alfanar Industrial Complex situated in the Third Industrial Zone on Al-Kharj Road, Riyadh.

Spread across 700,000 square meters, the Complex houses alfanar’s facilities.

The Complex has a comprehensive infrastructure including a data and communication center as well as a commercial zone.

Job Purpose

To lead the company’s technology scouting and foresight initiatives by identifying emerging trends, disruptive innovations, and strategic R&D opportunities in medium-voltage switchgear, digitalization, and advanced materials. The role drives research collaborations, innovation strategy, and intellectual property development to ensure long-term competitiveness and leadership in the energy and electrical solutions market.

Key Accountability Areas

Technology Scouting & Foresight

• Oversee global monitoring of research, patents, market innovations, and competitor technologies to inform long-term product strategies.
• Develop technology roadmaps by analyzing academic, industrial, and regulatory trends affecting the MV switchgear and digital solutions sector.
• Identify disruptive technologies and position the organization to capitalize on future advancements.

Research & Innovation Leadership

• Direct strategic investigations into advanced insulation systems, eco-friendly gases, solid-state switching, and intelligent digital components.
• Guide R&D teams in modeling, simulations, prototyping, and testing to validate innovative concepts and scale commercially viable solutions.
• Align R&D initiatives with business objectives, market needs, and sustainability goals.

Strategic Partnerships & External Relations

• Build and strengthen collaborations with universities, research institutes, and global technology partners.
• Represent the company in technical committees, international conferences, and standardization forums to influence industry direction.
• Oversee IP development strategy by identifying patentable innovations and securing intellectual property rights.

Knowledge Transfer & Team Development

• Lead training programs and workshops to enhance technical expertise and foster an innovation-driven culture.
• Mentor engineers and specialists, building internal capabilities in research, product development, and future-focused engineering.
• Ensure knowledge gained from scouting activities is effectively communicated and integrated across business units.

Strategy & Roadmap Development

• Translate market insights and technology foresight into actionable R&D strategies and multi-year development plans.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to prioritize R&D investments and align innovation efforts with corporate growth objectives.
• Drive initiatives that reinforce the company’s position as a technology leader in the energy and electrical sector.

Role Accountability

HR Proficiency

• Training of sub-ordinates and forming a team to get the work effectively.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to subordinates in all aspects of their work.
• Delegate sub-ordinates in each respective assignment.
• Ensures fair distribution of tasks to maintain morale, motivation of subordinates.

Delivery

• Perform the planned activities to meet the operational and development targets as per delivery schedules.
• Utilize resources effectively to achieve objectives within efficient cost and time.
• Provide a periodic report detailing the deviation and execution of planned tasks.

Problem-Solving

• Resolve related problems arising and escalate any complex operational issues.

Quality

• Ensure quality requirements to develop effective quality control and processes including specifications for products or processes or related activities.

Business Process Improvements

• Coordinate well-defined written systems, policies, procedures, and seek automation opportunities as much as possible.

Compliance

• Comply with related policy and procedures and work instructions.

Safety

• Ensure compliance of relevant safety, quality, and environmental management procedures and controls within defined area of work activity to guarantee safety, legislative compliance, and delivery of high-quality products/services.

Qualifications

Academic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or any relevant field

Work Experience: 15+ years

Technical / Functional Competencies

• Quality Compliance
• Quality Metrics
• Quality Tools and Techniques
• Engineering Research
• Research Design
• Research Analysis
• Technical Research