Corporate Counsel, North America

Job description

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 Corporate Counsel – North America serves as the lead legal advisor for key commercial and marketing-related activities across North America, including LD DIFM, HD DIFM, DIY, Channel Partners, and Marketing. This role owns legal support for these domains, partnering directly with senior business leaders to shape strategy, enable growth, and manage legal and regulatory risk. How You Will Make an Impact This position operates with a high degree of independence and accountability, providing both strategic and executional legal guidance across complex and high-impact initiatives. In addition to supporting core commercial activities, the role is responsible for advancing legal operations capabilities—particularly contract lifecycle management (CLM)—and establishing scalable processes that enhance efficiency and compliance. Reporting to the Senior Counsel – North America, this role also leads and develops one direct report and contributes to broader legal team effectiveness through functional leadership, knowledge sharing, and process improvement. The position is based in Lexington in a hybrid work environment. Key Responsibilities Include Domain Ownership: Commercial & Channel Legal Support Serve as the primary legal owner for assigned North America business segments (LD DIFM, HD DIFM, DIY, Channel Partners), accountable for end-to-end legal support and risk management Partner directly with senior business leadership to influence commercial strategy, structure complex arrangements, and support market expansion initiatives Lead negotiation and structuring of high-impact commercial agreements, including distribution, supply, and strategic partnerships Establish legal frameworks and standards that enable scalable, consistent support across business lines Provide expert guidance on distributor models and channel strategies, including associated legal and business considerations Domain Ownership: Marketing, Advertising & Promotions Own legal oversight of marketing and advertising activities, ensuring compliant and risk-balanced execution across campaigns and initiatives Advise marketing leadership on brand positioning Structure and approve sponsorships, promotional programs, sweepstakes, and giveaways Develop and implement policies, playbooks, and training to drive consistency and compliance in marketing practices Legal Operations & CLM Leadership Lead the evolution of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) capabilities within the commercial North America legal function Define contracting standards, templates, and governance models to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance visibility Drive adoption of CLM tools and processes across business stakeholders, influencing behavior and ensuring sustained utilization Identify and implement continuous improvements in legal workflows, leveraging technology and best practices Leadership & Functional Influence Manage and develop one direct report, providing ongoing coaching, performance management, and career development Act as a functional leader within the legal team, contributing to prioritization, knowledge sharing, and capability building Mentor junior team members and help elevate overall team performance and consistency Enterprise Risk Management & Cross-Functional Partnership Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and other corporate functions to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks Exercise independent judgment in evaluating complex legal issues and determining appropriate risk tolerance Support resolution of disputes and escalated matters, engaging senior leadership as appropriate Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across supported domains What You'll Need Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction Minimum of 5 - 8 years of relevant legal experience, with demonstrated ability to operate with increasing independence and responsibility Proven ability to independently manage complex commercial legal matters and advise business stakeholders Strong experience reviewing and advising on marketing claims, advertising, sponsorships, promotions, sweepstakes, and giveaways Experience implementing or leading workstreams related to Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems strongly preferred Prior experience managing, mentoring, or leading others; direct people management experience preferred Advanced contract drafting, negotiation, and risk assessment skills Strong business acumen and ability to influence decision-making at multiple levels of the organization Ability to establish processes, drive adoption, and improve ways of working Industry experience (automotive, retail, or distribution) preferred but not required Occasional travel required (approximately 10–15%) to support business initiatives and team engagement What Will Set You Apart Distributor or channel partner experience Benefits That Drive Themselves Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision) Health Savings Account (with an 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* Terms and conditions apply, and benefits may differ depending on position or tenure. #LI-MW1 Compensation range $120,00-$170,000 based on candidates experience, plus bonus eligible 15% target 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: 2280