Senior Manager, Global Market Research

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). *We're also open to candidates working in a remote capacity, but willing to visit HQs as needed.

How You’ll Make an Impact

The Senior Manager, Global Market Research, will lead the market research department and the development of consumer and customer understanding and insights in an ongoing effort to deliver competitive advantage and drive top-line growth across the branded portfolio and activities. This role will provide thought leadership and direction for brand, business, and functional leaders, based on a thorough understanding of the marketplace, through tracking, consumer analysis, and market intelligence. The manager will interact frequently with the marketing and brand teams, retail and sales teams, business analysis, and product management/strategy teams. These internal clients rely on this Manager for a clear understanding of underlying category dynamics and consumer/retail trends, and analysis of the marketplace.

The individual will lead and grow a global research team, currently consisting of a Market Research Manager and a full-time contractor based in Lexington and Connecticut, with plans to expand the team further in the near future. This role requires flexibility in working hours to collaborate across time zones effectively.

How You’ll Make an Impact

The ideal candidate for this role is a humble, hungry, and emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They are humble, valuing the contributions of others, sharing credit, and prioritizing team success over personal recognition. With a hungry mindset, they are self-motivated, always seeking new challenges, and driven to push boundaries in market research and consumer insights. Their emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills make them smart in navigating complex stakeholder relationships, understanding team dynamics, and influencing strategic decisions. This individual combines strategic vision with analytical rigor, is adaptable to change, and is deeply committed to delivering insights that drive business impact.

Responsibilities Include

- Develop and Execute Market Research Strategy – Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive global research strategy that aligns with business objectives, the innovation master plan, and ensures a deep consumer and market understanding to drive growth.

- Drive Data-Driven Decision Making – Leverage advanced research methodologies and next-generation consumer insights to influence strategic direction across marketing, sales, product management, and business strategy teams.

- Manage Research Operations and Budget – Oversee the market research function, managing a $2+ million USD annual budget, prioritizing projects, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources for maximum business impact.

- Lead Vendor and Stakeholder Collaboration – Partner with internal teams and external research providers to design and execute high-quality primary research, ensuring insights are actionable and aligned with business needs.

- Foster Innovation, Coach/Mentor Team Members, and Provide an Environment for Continuous Improvement – Stay ahead of industry trends, explore new research techniques, and proactively identify opportunities to enhance market intelligence and business decision-making but also help teach and develop direct reports and serve as a subject matter expert in the field of market and consumer research as part of a broader global COE.

What You’ll Need

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Market Research, Business, Economics, Statistics, Psychology, or a related field.

- 8+ years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or a related analytical role, preferably within a global organization.

- Proven track record of leading research functions, managing large-scale projects, and influencing business strategy through insights.

What Will Set You Apart

- Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including survey design, data analysis, segmentation, and competitive intelligence.

- Proficiency with research tools such as SPSS, Qualtrics, Nielsen, Kantar, Ipsos, GRIP or other industry-standard platforms.

- Strong ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights and communicate them effectively to stakeholders.

- Experience managing and mentoring research teams, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Ability to partner cross-functionally with marketing, sales, strategy, and product teams to ensure research insights are effectively integrated into decision-making.

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*

#LI-MW1

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: 1671