China Lead Counsel

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. Job Purpose The China Lead Counsel, China serves as the primary legal advisor supporting Valvoline Global Operations' China business. Reporting to the Regional Lead Counsel – APAC, this role partners closely with the VP & GM China, the China Leadership Team, and business leaders to provide practical, commercially focused legal counsel that enables business growth while appropriately managing legal and regulatory risk. The role leads the China Legal team and is responsible for delivering legal support across commercial transactions, operations, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, corporate governance, disputes, employment related matters and general regulatory matters. Working collaboratively with regional and global Legal Centers of Excellence, this role coordinates support for specialized legal matters while serving as the trusted day-to-day legal partner for the China business. This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate must be comfortable personally managing complex legal work while also setting priorities, coaching team members, and improving overall team performance. How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities) Business Partnership Serve as the primary day-to-day legal advisor to the VP & GM China, the China Leadership Team, and business leaders across Commercial, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and other functions. Provide timely, practical, and commercially focused legal advice that supports business objectives while managing legal risk. Advise business leaders on legal implications of commercial and operational decisions. Support strategic growth initiatives, new business opportunities, and operational projects by identifying practical legal solutions. Escalate significant or complex legal matters to the Regional Lead Counsel – APAC, as appropriate. Commercial Contracts and Business Transactions Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial agreements, including customer, distributor, supply, procurement, manufacturing, tolling, logistics, warehousing, service, marketing, sponsorship, promotional, confidentiality, real estate, facilities, and intercompany agreements. Provide contract interpretation and advice regarding contract performance, amendments, renewals, and termination. Develop and maintain standard contract templates and practical contracting guidance for business partners. Promote consistent and efficient contract management practices across the China business. Operations and Risk Management Provide legal support for commercial operations, manufacturing, procurement, supply chain, logistics, and other day-to-day business activities. Anticipate emerging legal, regulatory, compliance, litigation and operational risk and advice the China Leadership Team on business implications. Identify legal and commercial risks associated with business activities and recommend practical mitigation strategies. Provide support for third-party due diligence and risk assessments for suppliers, distributors, vendors, and other business partners when requested by Compliance team. Assist with the implementation of company policies and compliance initiatives within the China business. Corporate Governance Provide legal support for VGO legal entities in China. Coordinate corporate governance activities, including board and shareholder resolutions, statutory filings, and maintenance of corporate records. Support legal entity administration and ensure required governance documentation remains current. Work with external advisors and corporate secretarial providers, as needed. Dispute Resolution Coordinate litigation, arbitration, regulatory inquiries, and other disputes affecting the China business. Manage relationships with outside counsel and monitor legal matters, budgets, and reporting requirements. Partner with the Regional Lead Counsel – APAC on significant legal matters and dispute resolution strategies. Identify opportunities to reduce legal exposure through proactive business support and continuous improvement. Cross-Functional Collaboration Build strong working relationships across Commercial, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and other business functions. Collaborate with regional and global Legal Centers of Excellence, including Compliance, Employment, Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Litigation, to coordinate support for specialized legal matters. Support implementation of regional and global legal initiatives within the China business. Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop members of the China Legal team. Establish priorities and ensure timely, responsive, and high-quality legal support. Allocate work effectively based on business principles, individual capability, workload, and development needs. Address performance, capability, workload, and interpersonal issues promptly and appropriately. Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing team environment. Encourage continuous improvement in legal processes and service delivery. Legal Operations Manage relationships with outside counsel and legal service providers. Support responsible management of legal spend and outside counsel budgets. Improve legal processes, document management, matter tracking, and reporting. Develop and deliver practical legal training to business stakeholders. Perform other legal projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Regional Lead Counsel – APAC. What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities) Law degree from an accredited university. Licensed or otherwise qualified to practice law in China. 10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably including experience supporting commercial operations within a multinational organization. Experience leading legal professionals or significant cross-functional legal work. Strong experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on commercial agreements. Working knowledge of Chinese commercial, corporate, and regulatory laws affecting business operations. Experience managing outside counsel and coordinating legal support across multiple stakeholders. Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives. Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment. High degree of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English, both written and spoken. Embodies the three virtues of an ideal team player: Hungry, Humble, and Smart. Competencies Desired Business Partnership: Builds trusted relationships with business leaders by providing practical, commercially focused legal advice that supports business success while managing legal risk. Commercial Judgment: Evaluates legal issues within the broader business context and recommends balanced, practical solutions that enable sound decision-making. Collaboration: Works effectively across functions, cultures, and geographies, leveraging internal and external resources to achieve business objectives. Drives Results: Takes ownership, manages competing priorities effectively, and consistently delivers high-quality work in a timely manner. People Leadership: Provides direction, coaching, and development to team members while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive work environment. Change Leadership: Remains effective during business transformation and uncertainty, helps the organization navigate change, and adjusts legal priorities and resources as business needs evolve. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements Primarily office-based or hybrid work environment. Regular use of a computer, telephone, and virtual collaboration tools. Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while reviewing legal documents and participating in meetings. Frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders in both Mandarin and English. Domestic travel within China and occasional travel within the APAC region as business needs require (approximately 10–15%). Periodic flexibility in work hours may be required to support regional and global stakeholders across multiple time zones. 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 : 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: 2575