Product Specialist - Middle East Africa (Saudi Arabia)

About Valvoline Global Operations

Valvoline Global Operations, established in 1866 as the pioneer of branded motor oil, continues to lead innovation in automotive and industrial solutions. As part of Aramco, a major energy and chemicals conglomerate, Valvoline focuses on sustainable product development and world-class services. The company values Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence, which define its people and partnerships worldwide.

Role Purpose

This role manages Valvoline’s product portfolio across Middle East Africa, focusing on Saudi Arabia. Responsibilities revolve around four key areas: product and portfolio costing, review and enhancement of product profitability, supply chain optimization including SMOG inventory oversight, and managing product lifecycle data.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for all product costing matters across business units, monitoring cost drivers and communicating implications of supply chain changes.
• Lead high-impact bid costing processes, coordinating cross-functional inputs ensuring timely and standardized documentation to support competitive sales bids.
• Support innovation initiatives by cost-analyzing new materials and designing efficient supply chains that balance fill rate, inventory levels, and cost of goods sold.
• Continuously seek and implement strategies to improve margins through supply chain efficiencies, procurement savings, and rationalization of product offerings.
• Manage SKU rationalization and product lifecycle for the Light Duty portfolio by conducting annual reviews, managing obsolete stock, and recommending strategies for SKU health improvement.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to monitor and direct SMOG inventory, addressing excess stock and overseeing execution of corrective measures.
• Maintain and update SAP system data related to product hierarchies and portfolio management, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Engage regularly with senior leadership to align on portfolio strategies, profitability enhancements, and supply chain effectiveness.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• 5 to 7 years’ relevant experience in portfolio management or related roles.
• Strong analytical skills with a business-oriented approach, able to convert data insights into practical actions.
• Competence in extracting and presenting complex data clearly for leadership consumption.
• Curiosity and determination to understand underlying business fundamentals and truths.
• Collaborative mindset, effective communication skills, and openness to diverse viewpoints.
• Drive for continuous improvement in recommendations and operational efficiencies.

Working Conditions and Travel

• Position based onsite in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Travel up to 20% within the region is expected.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Valvoline Global is committed to equal opportunity employment and fosters an inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodation is provided during recruitment upon request via designated contact channels.