Director, R&D Site Lead (Saudi National)

The CTOO R&D Leader will shape and lead the local R&D agenda, build high‑impact technical programs, and serve as a senior interface between Lenovo’s global technology leadership and the Saudi AI, technology, and R&D ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of Lenovo’s KSA R&D site in alignment with global CTO priorities.

• Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance across advanced technology domains, including:
  
  

  • Artificial intelligence and applied machine learning
  • Robotics and autonomous systems
  • Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies

• Translate research and emerging technologies into practical, scalable R&D initiatives with measurable impact.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing local R&D organization, fostering a culture of innovation, rigor, and accountability.

• Represent Lenovo as a senior technical leader with government entities, universities, research institutions, and industry partners across the Saudi innovation ecosystem.

• Develop strategic partnerships aligned with national priorities in technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

• Act as an ambassador and advocate for AI adoption within Lenovo

Qualifications & Experience

• 12+ years of experience in R&D, advanced engineering, or technology leadership, including experience at director level or equivalent.

• Demonstrated technical breadth across AI, robotics, manufacturing systems, or related deep‑tech domains.

• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs spanning software, hardware, and data.

• Experience operating with significant autonomy, sound judgment, and limited managerial oversight.

• Strong familiarity with the KSA AI, technology, and R&D landscape, including national initiatives and innovation stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Arabic fluency (strong preference - professional working proficiency).

• Experience working with or alongside government, academic, or national innovation programs in Saudi Arabia.

• PhD or Masters in Computer Science or Engineering

• Comfortable representing Lenovo at senior external, governmental, and ecosystem levels.