Sr. Manager, Global Strategic Brand Partnerships

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). *This position is based in Lexington, KY, and offers relocation assistance. How You’ll Make An Impact

The

Senior Manager of Global Strategic Brand Partnerships

plays a key leadership role in developing and managing Valvoline Global’s Brand sponsorships and paid influencer programs across global and regional markets. This individual is responsible for leading a team in delivering high-impact partnerships and influencer strategies that drive brand awareness, consumer engagement, and business growth.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy, this people manager will oversee the planning and execution of brand partnership initiatives with global and regional partners (e.g., Aston Martin, Hendrick, FIFA) as well as with paid influencers. The role includes accountability for relationship development, performance measurement, budgeting, and contract management. As a team leader, today this position will coach and develop a team of two partnership professionals to ensure program excellence and alignment with Valvoline’s partner and brand priorities, and will build out the team further over time as the enterprise grows. The role also requires regular cross-functional collaboration and international travel to support key initiatives and partnerships.

The ideal candidate for this role is a humble, hungry, and emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They value the contributions of others, prioritize team success over personal recognition, and share credit freely. With a hungry mindset, they are self-motivated, proactive, and continuously seeking new challenges to strengthen brand strategy and consumer engagement. Their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills enable them to effectively navigate complex stakeholder relationships, understand team dynamics, and influence Strategic Brand decisions. This individual combines creative vision with analytical rigor, is adaptable to change, and is deeply committed to delivering partnership strategies that drive business impact. and influencing Strategic Brand decisions.

Responsibilities Include

- Lead Sponsorship & Influencer Programs – Oversee the development and implementation of sponsorship and influencer initiatives aligned with Valvoline’s brand and business goals. Ensure integration across global and regional markets.

- Partner Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong relationships with senior executives at global and regional partner organizations. Seek out and land unexpected brand partnerships that grow awareness and drive consideration and purchase. Ensure alignment on brand objectives and maximize ROI.

- Team Management & Development – Manage and mentor a team of partnership and influencer marketing professionals. Provide strategic brand partnership direction, performance feedback, and professional development support.

- Budget & Contract Oversight – Manage the annual budget for sponsorships and influencers. Lead contract negotiations and oversee performance measurement, reporting, and optimization.

- Internal Collaboration & Governance – Partner with brand strategy, commercial, and regional teams to align on the equity roadmap and deliver results. Contribute to the development and implementation of a governance framework for partnership and influencer selection.

- Internal Interactions with Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy, brand and marketing team members, regional marketing and commercial leads, executive leadership, and cross-functional collaborators.

- External Interactions with Sponsorship partners, paid influencers, creative and media agencies, and legal/contracting partners.

What You’ll Need

- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Master’s degree strongly preferred

- 10+ years of experience in partnership, sponsorship, or brand marketing roles

- History of creating strategic brand partnership frameworks, roadmaps, and collaborative interactions

- Experience having led a team of brand or commercial professionals with demonstrated accountability and drive for results or return on investment

- Strong Strategic Brand thinking and program leadership skills

- Experience managing global partnerships and influencers in the automotive or consumer goods sectors

- Proven financial acumen in budgeting, ROI analysis, and contract negotiations

- Demonstrated excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills

- Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional and international environment

- Willingness to travel internationally (up to 30%), including some weekends

What Will Set You Apart

- MBA

- Experience managing global teams and managing global sponsorships

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: 1589