Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead (Senior Director-level)

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 candidates who can work an in-office schedule (3 days per week), and relocation assistance is available.

For the right candidate, we are also open to arrangements where the individual is based elsewhere but can be in Lexington one week per month.

The Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead is a strategic, executive role responsible for architecting and leading the enterprise-wide vision, strategy, and execution of artificial intelligence and its associated processes at Valvoline Global. As the steward of AI innovation, this role drives transformative value creation across the business by embedding AI into core operations, enabling intelligent decision-making, and unlocking new sources of competitive advantage.

Reporting to the Chief Digital & AI Officer, this role provides thought leadership at the intersection of technology, data, and business transformation—partnering with C-suite leaders to institutionalize AI as a strategic capability. This role owns and is accountable for delivering enterprise AI governance, prioritizing high-impact use cases, and building the operating framework required to scale and sustain AI success globally.

The Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead oversees a portfolio of AI initiatives—from predictive analytics in manufacturing to business insights to enterprise efficiency and resourcing—and serves as the primary facilitator of responsible AI deployment. This role balances technical leadership with business acumen, ensuring that AI investments deliver measurable value, comply with regulatory and privacy standards, and drive enterprise-wide transformation.

How You Will Make an Impact

- Define and champion Valvoline’s long-term AI vision and strategic roadmap, ensuring tight alignment with enterprise goals and market opportunities.

- Serve as the senior-most AI leader, representing AI strategy to the executive leadership team, board, and external stakeholders.

Establish a cross-functional governance model that integrates AI into strategic planning, investment cycles, and enterprise architecture.

- Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI initiatives—from concept to value realization—across key domains including operations, supply chain, manufacturing, customer experience, and digital marketing.

- Drive AI maturity across the enterprise by building capabilities, frameworks, and talent pipelines that support sustained innovation and adoption.

- Evaluate and prioritize AI investments based on ROI, risk profile, scalability, and strategic alignment.

- Oversee the design and enforcement of enterprise AI governance policies, ensuring responsible, explainable, and ethical use of AI technologies.

- Lead cross-functional efforts with Legal, Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy teams to manage regulatory risk and build public trust.

- Ensure all AI models adhere to evolving global standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, emerging AI legislation).

- Position Valvoline as a thought leader in AI by engaging with external partners—including academic institutions, industry consortia, and emerging tech providers.

- Explore and validate next-generation AI capabilities such as generative AI, computer vision, autonomous systems, and intelligent IoT.

- Champion a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and intellectual curiosity.

- Drive enterprise-wide change management efforts to integrate AI into workflows, decision-making, and business culture.

- Sponsor AI upskilling initiatives and evangelize AI literacy across all levels of the organization.

- Lead the development of an AI Center of Excellence (AI Factory) or similar structure to centralize best practices, resources, and shared services.

What You Bring to the Role

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree strongly preferred 10+ years of experience in a technology platform with a combination of artificial intelligence, data science, or machine learning; with 5+ years in a senior leadership role

- Proven success delivering enterprise-scale technical and/or AI solutions in manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial contexts

- Technical proficiency in AI/ML tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), and MLOps

- Understanding of AI governance, ethics, and regulatory compliance frameworks

- Ability to bridge technical teams and business functions; excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

- Experience with talent and change management and leading through organizational transformation

Competencies Desired

- Enterprise Strategy & Vision – Shapes and drives long-term strategy that redefines the business through AI innovation.

- Operational Excellence – Connects AI initiatives to tangible outcomes in cost, productivity, quality, safety, and customer experience.

- Cross-Functional Influence – Builds alignment and momentum across diverse functions and global teams.

- Ethical Stewardship – Champions transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI deployment.

- Innovation & Curiosity – Maintains a forward-looking stance on technology evolution and its business applications.

- Excellent Communication – Develops and leads roadmap/strategy creation and communicates to company leadership the ongoing vision and milestone achievements of the AI Factory team.

Benefits That Drive Themselves

- Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)

- HSA and flexible spending accounts

- 401(k)

- Incentive opportunity*

- Life insurance

- Short and long-term disability insurance

- Paid vacation and holidays*

- Employee Assistance Program

- Employee discounts

- Tuition reimbursement* - Adoption assistance*

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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: 1591