Leadership Development Specialist

The Manager, Talent Management plays a pivotal role in advancing Valvoline Global’s talent and leadership development strategy worldwide. This role blends strategic business partnering with the design and execution of enterprise-wide talent initiatives, leadership development programs, and succession management efforts. As part of the Global Talent Management team, the Manager collaborates with HR Business Partners, senior leaders, and stakeholders to develop a high-performing workforce, cultivate leadership capabilities, and ensure a robust and sustainable talent pipeline for VGO’s future. 

How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities) 

Strategic Business Partnering 

• Collaborate with business leaders to assess current and future talent gaps and develop actionable strategies to address these gaps. 

• Provide guidance on talent trends and market intelligence to inform leadership decision-making. 

• Advise leadership on the effective integration of talent initiatives into strategic business plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 

• Serve as a key resource for leadership during organizational changes, guiding them through talent-related challenges and opportunities.

• Continuously monitor and analyze global talent trends, benchmarking industry best practices, and utilizing competitive intelligence to ensure Valvoline’s talent management strategies remain innovative and relevant. 

Global Program Design & Delivery 

• Assess and identify the learning and development needs of diverse global teams, ensuring program content is culturally relevant and adaptable to different regions. 

• Foster continuous feedback loops to improve the design and delivery of programs, ensuring that they meet evolving business and learner needs. 

• Leverage data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of talent programs, making adjustments as necessary to optimize impact. 

• Champion a culture of continuous learning by promoting the value of leadership development programs and talent initiatives across the organization. 

• Use data and insights from various Centers of Excellence (COEs) to inform the design and execution of talent management programs, ensuring that these programs align with broader organizational goals. 

• Collect and analyze data from talent management processes (e.g., performance reviews, succession planning) and use this data as an input to continually refine and improve programs, driving better outcomes for both talent development and business performance. 

Talent & Succession Management 

• Drive the execution of a comprehensive global talent strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and long-term business needs. 

• Foster an inclusive talent management process that identifies and nurtures diverse leadership talent across all levels. 

• Oversee the development and implementation of succession plans for critical roles, ensuring a steady pipeline of leaders for the future. 

• Use talent assessments and data-driven insights to make informed decisions about talent gaps, leadership readiness, and development needs. 

Coaching and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) 

• Lead one-on-one coaching sessions for senior leaders and high-potential talent to accelerate their growth and maximize leadership potential. 

• Work closely with managers to ensure they understand and actively participate in the development of IDPs for their teams. 

• Integrate IDPs into the overall performance management system, ensuring alignment between individual goals and organizational objectives. 

• Regularly evaluate the progress of IDPs, providing feedback and support to ensure continuous development. 

Global Project Leadership 

• Lead and support ongoing and future talent management initiatives at VGO, ensuring the delivery of high-impact programs in areas such as learning, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, career management, team effectiveness, and change management. 

• Lead large-scale, high-impact talent management projects with cross-functional teams, ensuring collaboration and timely execution. 

• Develop and manage project plans, coordinating the work of various stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. 

• Identify and address potential roadblocks early in the project lifecycle to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery of initiatives. 

• Lead post-project evaluations to assess the effectiveness of talent management initiatives and identify areas for improvement. 

What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities) 

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Talent Management, Leadership Development, or Organizational Development in a global, matrixed environment. 

• Proven track record in designing and delivering leadership programs and blended learning solutions. 

• Strong background in succession planning, coaching, and talent development. 

• University degree, preferably a Master's in Human Resources or a related field. 

• Familiarity with learning technologies (e.g., LMS, performance/talent platforms). 

• Experience in leading global projects with strong organizational and project management skills. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse cultures and geographies. 

• Fluency in English is required. 

• Coaching certification and familiarity with tools like DISC/MBTI/Insights is a plus. 

Competencies Desired 

• Strategic Talent Leadership – Develops and delivers transformative talent and leadership strategies that align with business objectives and drive organizational growth across global markets. 

• Global Talent Development – Identifies, nurtures, and develops high-potential leaders globally, ensuring the company has a strong and sustainable leadership pipeline for future success. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partners effectively across geographies, functions, and levels to align stakeholders and drive successful execution of talent initiatives. 

• Coaching & Development Excellence – Provides impactful coaching and development support to leaders at all levels, fostering continuous growth and enhancing leadership capabilities within the organization. 

• Results-Driven Execution – Maintains a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes, continuously improving talent processes and ensuring the success of leadership development programs aligned with organizational goals. 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements 

• The role is generally based in a climate-controlled corporate office environment. 

• This is a global role requiring frequent collaboration with teams across various time zones. The role demands a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of international clients and stakeholders. 

• Travel (up to 30%) may be required for program delivery, talent calibration, and global leadership development activities. 

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate standard office equipment is necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.