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. 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 ImpactThis 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 3-5 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.
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Compensation range $120,00-$150,000 based on candidates experience, plus bonus eligible Requisition ID: 2280
