Director, R&D Site Lead (Saudi National)

About This Role

We are Lenovo. We do what we say. We own what we do. We WOW our customers.

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY).

This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of Lenovo’s KSA RD 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 RD initiatives with measurable impact.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing local RD 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 RD, 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 RD 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 RD 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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any federal, state, or local protected class.