Counsel, Employment & Litigation

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). If semi-local, we are open to candidates working in the office 1 day per week. 

The Employment & Litigation Counsel serves as a key legal advisor to Valvoline Global Operations (VGO), providing strategic and day-to-day counsel on employment law, litigation, and global compliance matters. This role partners closely with Risk, Human Resources, the Employee Relations Center of Excellence (COE), and the Ethics & Compliance COE to proactively manage disputes and legal risk, ensure consistent application of policies, and support a fair and compliant workplace across jurisdictions.

How You Make An Impact

As a highly capable individual contributor, this position independently manages complex employment matters, leads aspects of litigation and investigations, and plays a critical role in global compliance initiatives—including audit support, policy harmonization, and dispute resolution across the organization. Counsel exercises strong legal judgment, influences decision-making, and drives alignment on global practices with evolving legal and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities Include

Employment Law Strategy & Counseling

• Serve as a trusted advisor to HR, Employee Relations COE, and business leaders, defining proactive risk management strategies and practical legal counsel on complex employment matters
• Lead cross-functional initiatives impacting enterprise-wide employment practices, including on employee relations issues, performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and reductions in force
• Influence senior leaders and drive alignment on complex leave management and accommodation matters, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, and applicable state/local requirements
• Develop frameworks and standards for handling employment laws across multiple jurisdictions, promoting global consistency while accounting for local requirements
• Define and drive employment legal strategy, aligning with business objectives, in the development of global employment policies, procedures, and guidelines

Litigation Leadership & Dispute Resolution

• Lead management of certain commercial, regulatory, class action, and employment-related claims, (including agency charges, demand letters, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution)
• Direct outside counsel, including strategy development, case oversight, and budget management
• Conduct early case assessments, conduct fact investigations and legal research, evaluate risk exposure, and develop resolution strategies aligned with business objectives
• Develop and execute practical, business-oriented litigation and pre-litigation strategies to proactively position disputes for favorable outcomes
• Lead high-risk and complex disputes, engaging senior leadership as appropriate

Internal Investigations

• Independently lead sensitive and complex internal investigations, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct
• Collaborate with Employee Relations and Ethics & Compliance COEs to lead consistent and thorough investigative processes
• Develop clear findings, documentation, and actionable recommendations to leadership

Global Compliance, Audits, Policy Governance & Training

• Support external and internal audits (including Aramco-related audits), ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented responses and follow-ups
• Establish consistent legal positions and guidance across the organization to ensure alignment with legal and compliance requirements
• Partner with Ethics & Compliance and HR to strengthen global employment compliance frameworks
• Develop and deliver training and educational content for HR and business leaders on employment law topics, emerging trends, and regulatory changes

Cross-Functional Leadership & Global Initiatives

• Collaborate closely with Employee Relations COE and Ethics & Compliance COE to drive investigations, policy application, and risk mitigation strategies
• Lead large-scale, global initiatives, providing subject matter expertise on employment compliance considerations
• Influence global employment project outcomes by identifying and anticipating risks and proactively shaping organizational response  
• Influence business leaders and regional legal teams to develop pragmatic solutions that reduce future litigation exposure

What You'll Need

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 5–8+ years of relevant, progressive legal experience, with a strong focus on employment law and litigation (in-house and/or law firm experience)
• Demonstrated experience managing employment litigation and agency matters independently 
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and state equivalents
• Experience supporting government investigations, audits, compliance initiatives, or regulatory reviews preferred
• Familiarity with global employment law considerations and multi-jurisdictional environments
• Proven ability to lead complex internal investigations and direct sensitive employee relations matters
• Experience working with HR, Employee Relations, and/or Compliance functions
• Strong business acumen with the ability to develop practical, risk-balanced legal strategy
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion
• Ability to travel up to 15% annually, including support for audits, investigations, hearings, or global initiatives 

Benefits That Drive Themselves

• Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
• Health Savings Account (with employer-base deposit and match)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match
• Incentive opportunity*
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• PTO Buy/Sell Options*
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Adoption assistance*

#LI-MW1

• Terms and conditions apply, and benefits may differ depending on position or tenure.

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:.

•    Email: Valvolineglobalcareers@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: 2343