Senior Technical Competency Specialist

Senior Technical Competency Specialist – Competency Assurance & Training Development

Location: Saudi Arabia
Work Model: On-site
Industry: Oil & Gas | Refining | Petrochemicals
Employment Type: Full-time
Recruitment Partner: LHR Americas

About the Opportunity

LHR Americas is supporting the recruitment of a Senior Technical Competency Specialist for a leading integrated refining and petrochemical company in Saudi Arabia.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a proven track record in personally designing, developing, and implementing technical competency frameworks for engineering, maintenance, operations, and manufacturing teams.

This position will play a strategic role in strengthening workforce technical capabilities through competency mapping, technical assessments, gap analysis, qualification pathways, and structured development programs.

This is not a general Learning & Development position. The successful candidate must demonstrate direct, hands-on ownership of technical competency frameworks within an industrial operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement technical competency maps (C-Maps) across industrial roles, job families, and technical disciplines.

• Develop competency dictionaries, proficiency levels, technical descriptors, role profiles, and skills matrices.

• Create competency frameworks for new positions and evolving organizational structures.

• Design and conduct technical competency assessments using practical evaluations, workplace observation, and subject matter expert validation.

• Identify technical competency gaps and translate assessment findings into measurable development plans.

• Develop technical career pathways, qualification programs, and operator or technician certification processes.

• Implement competency management and assessment processes through SAP SuccessFactors or equivalent LMS/HRIS platforms.

• Lead technical competency workshops with subject matter experts and operational leaders.

• Present competency development strategies, implementation plans, and progress reports to senior management.

• Coordinate technical development initiatives with internal trainers and external training providers.

Mandatory Requirements

• At least 5 years of direct, hands-on experience developing and implementing technical competency frameworks within industrial environments.

• Proven experience personally building competency maps, proficiency standards, technical competency dictionaries, and assessment methodologies.

• Strong background in technical competency assessment, gap analysis, and workforce development.

• Experience working within an industrial operating company, preferably in refining, petrochemicals, oil & gas, LNG, mining, manufacturing, or a comparable heavy industry.

• Solid understanding of competency requirements across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, process engineering, and operations disciplines.

• Fluent English communication skills, both written and spoken, including the ability to present to senior management.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, a technical field, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline. An engineering or technical background is highly preferred.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Practical experience implementing SAP SuccessFactors, SAP HR, or other LMS/HRIS platforms.

• Experience with Competency Assurance, C-Mapping/CMAPS, or equivalent technical competency methodologies.

• Experience developing operator qualification, technician certification, and structured technical learning pathways.

• Previous experience as a technical engineer, plant specialist, technical training lead, or competency assurance professional.

• Relevant certifications in competency assessment, technical training, coaching, or professional development.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Our ideal candidate is an engineer or senior technical professional who transitioned into technical competency development and has personally built and implemented competency frameworks within an industrial operating company.

Candidates from Human Resources or Talent Management backgrounds may also be considered if they can demonstrate substantial, hands-on technical competency development experience.

Profiles primarily focused on general corporate training, leadership development, succession planning, behavioral competencies, or administrative training coordination will not be considered for this specific position.

What We Offer

• An international senior-level opportunity within a large-scale industrial organization.

• A strategic role with direct ownership of technical competency development initiatives.

• Competitive compensation aligned with the candidate's experience, final position grade, and employer policies.

• Potential international relocation support and applicable expatriate benefits, subject to eligibility and company policy.

How to Apply

If you have personally designed and implemented technical competency frameworks within an industrial environment, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your CV in English (maximum 3 pages), highlighting the competency frameworks, technical assessments, and implementation projects you have personally led.

Shortlisted candidates will participate in an initial interview in English with the LHR Americas recruitment team. Your profile will not be shared with the employer without your prior consent.

Apply now and take the next step in your international technical career!