Director, Global Brand Strategy

Why Valvoline Global Operations?

At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.

Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to:

• 
  Treating everyone with care.
• Acting with unwavering integrity.
• Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
• Delivering on our commitments with passion.
• Collaborating as one unified team.

When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.

Valvoline Global Operations Headquarters is located in Lexington, KY. We prefer local candidates willing to work an in-office work schedule (3 days per week). We're also open to candidates living in nearby markets (i.e. Louisville or Cincinnati), but willing to visit HQs weekly.

The Director of Global Brand Strategy works closely with leadership across multiple business units (BUs) and functional areas to drive brand consistency, strategic positioning, and consumer engagement. This role is responsible for developing and executing brand strategies and global brand activities and toolkits that enhance market positioning, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives, and fostering brand growth across key channels.

Additionally, the Director will be responsible for overseeing the stewardship of our brand by implementing governance and management of our brand globally including governance of regional advertising budgeting and spending. This includes overseeing our creative studio and digital asset management to ensure brand consistency, operational efficiency, and the effective deployment of brand assets across all touchpoints. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally to implement brand frameworks, consumer insights, and creative strategies that reinforce Valvoline’s brand equity and differentiation.

The Director will lead and manage a global team of approximately 15 professionals, including brand managers, designers, and content specialists. This individual will be responsible for providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to ensure high performance and collaboration across regions. The role requires a leader who can navigate different markets, cultural nuances, and time zones while fostering a cohesive brand vision and strategy worldwide. This role is critical to the protection, growth, and overall success of the amplification of the Valvoline brand globally.

The ideal candidate for this role is a humble, hungry, and emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They value the contributions of others, prioritize team success over personal recognition, and share credit freely. With a hungry mindset, they are self-motivated, proactive, and continuously seeking new challenges to strengthen brand strategy and consumer engagement. Their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills enable them to effectively navigate complex stakeholder relationships, understand team dynamics, and influence strategic decisions. This individual combines creative vision with analytical rigor, is adaptable to change, and is deeply committed to delivering brand strategies that drive business impact. and influencing strategic decisions. This individual combines strategic vision with analytical rigor, is adaptable to change, and is deeply committed to delivering insights that drive business impact.

Responsibilities Include

• Lead Brand Strategy & Governance – Oversee the development and execution of brand strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring global brand consistency and market differentiation. Implement brand governance frameworks, brand guidelines, and best practices across all touchpoints and globally.

• Develop & Execute Global Brand Positioning & Campaigns – Drive the development of a compelling global brand positioning that resonates across markets. Lead the creation and execution of global brand campaigns to enhance brand equity, customer engagement, and market impact.

• Manage Global Brand Operations – Oversee the stewardship of the brand, including governance, creative studio management, and digital asset management. Ensure the effective deployment of brand assets and tools across global markets.

• Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team – Manage and mentor a total global team of approximately 15 professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking. Provide guidance on brand development, creative execution, and market positioning.

• Oversee Vendor & Budget Management – Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and at times research partners to drive brand initiatives. Oversee the annual equity brand budget and provide thought leadership to regional budgeting, ensuring efficient resource allocation and strategic investment in brand-building activities.

• Interacts regularly with Director and VP-level BU leads. Regularly presents to Valvoline Executive Leadership. Interacts with a span of roles across multiple external agencies from Executive Leadership to Directors, Managers, and Creatives. Work with and lead external brand and marketing agencies. Will need to work with VGO’s digital and social agencies to develop holistic global campaigns.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field
• 13 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, or related leadership roles, preferably in a global organization managing a global consumer brand
• Proven expertise in developing brand strategies, positioning, and execution across multiple channels

• Strong ability to synthesize market research, business strategy, and consumer insights into actionable brand strategies.
• Experience with brand architecture, brand positioning, and creative development.
• Familiarity with brand measurement tools and analytics platforms.
• Skilled at working cross-functionally with multiple business units and teams to align strategic initiatives.
• Ability to present to and influence executive leadership and gain alignment on key brand initiatives.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing teams.
• Humble, hungry, and smart—a team-oriented leader with strong emotional intelligence.
• Creative and analytical balance, capable of driving innovative yet data-informed brand strategies.
• Exceptional storytelling, communication, and presentation skills to articulate brand vision and strategies effectively.
• Willingness to travel up to 20 %, including international travel
• Ability to work flexible hours (outside of 8 am - 5 pm EST), when working with global marketing teams

What Will Set You Apart

• MBA preferred

Benefits That Drive Themselves

• Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
• HSA and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k)
• Incentive opportunity*
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Adoption assistance*

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Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.

• 
  Phone: 1-800-Valvoline
• Email: 1800valvoline@valvolineglobal.com

This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.

Requisition ID: 1371