Senior Director, Global Commercial & Industrial Product 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.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Valvoline has a rewarding opportunity as a Senior Director, Global Commercial & Industrial Product Strategy (C&I) reporting directly to the VP of Product Strategy & Management. This is a hybrid opportunity, 2 days remote per week. 

The Global C&I Product Strategy is responsible for the commercial and industrial product strategy for Valvoline Global Operations. The role is the conduit between the regional business units and the supply chain to drive organization growth. The leader should utilize global processes (Innovation Master Plan creation, New Solutions Development, target margins, etc.) that have been created to build cross functional collaboration. 

The Global C&I Product Strategy will implement the 3 main pillars of Product Strategy:

1. Product Discovery - Identifying customer unmet needs

2. Product Planning - Creating the innovation roadmap

3. Product Development - New solutions development process

We whole-heartedly adopt a ‘never idle' mindset. We also know that outstanding service begins and ends with our employees. So, we’re looking for good people to join our team. You bring your skills, talent, and drive. We will give you a great place to work, a competitive salary and benefits, and the resources and support to develop and advance within our global company.

Responsibilities Include

The Global Heavy Duty Product Strategy directs a team comprised of Product Managers located in key growth regions for Valvoline Global Operations. The HD Product Strategy team will have ownership of the global product portfolio.

• Product Discovery: Utilize market, enterprise, and business unit data to build a vision of the global future for the VGO commercial and industrial product portfolio. Drive consumer research to create research plans that will identify consumer unmet needs and answer critical business questions to unlock innovation pathways.  Constantly ideate against strategic business questions.  Evaluate the competitive landscape and identify portfolio gaps and claims opportunities.       

• Product Planning: Create a long-term product portfolio vision. Develop a 5-year innovation road map (product, package, portfolio) that is aligned to the corporate and business unit strategies.  Maintain the road map based on market and business unit trends. Help prioritize product related projects for the organization. Maximize product profitability for the portfolio by identifying and maintaining regional target margins.  Be the center of excellence for VGO innovation.        

• Product Development: Follow the New Solutions Development stage gate process for all new initiatives.  Create gate documents for all products on the innovation master plan.  Lead key initiatives globally to drive international harmonization of the Valvoline product portfolio.  Cross-connect between all Valvoline segments to deliver single solution branding and product promises for customers & consumers.  Conduct Strategic Portfolio Reviews in accordance with annual timelines to determine long term strategic fit vs. competition along with market opportunities for innovation refinement.

• Coach & Mentor: Develop team members. Manage International direct reports. Create annual goals and development plans. Ensure the global team is following project management processes, providing clear agendas, project timelines and meeting recaps. Respond to escalated project issues that the Project Manager’s may face that impede project delivery and help coordinate solutions

Primary Interactions - Internal and External

The Global C&I Strategy Leader will have regular connections with the Valvoline Leadership Team, including the leaders of each Region, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Chief Brand Officer.  The role will also have regular collaboration with the regional Marketing Directors, R&D, Global Equity, Global Pricing, etc.  

What You’ll Need

• Degree in Marketing, Engineering, or any other related field
• MBA Required
• 10+ Years of related experience in lubricants or related industry (automotive, tyres, spare parts, etc)
• Team management experience
• Cross-cultural or global experience
• Strong visionary, strategic, and courageous leadership skills
• Strong analytical thinking and business mindset.
• An inquisitive thirst to learn more and seek the truth
• Team oriented, with strong communication abilities and willingness to share ideas for diverse input and perspective
• Travel up to 20% is expected for this role

What Will Set You Apart

• Ability to drive innovation, connect with consumers, and develop long-term brand equity
• Provides coaching to team members Product Strategy, Research and Packaging/Artwork amongst other areas of responsibility
• Passion for Brand building
• Ability to turn insights into action
• Need to demostrate ideal team player traits like humble, hungry and smart

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: 1657