Senior Legal Counsel - EMEA

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.

Job Purpose

The Lead Counsel – EMEA serves as a legal advisor for Valvoline Global Operations across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. This role ensures legal compliance, risk mitigation, and governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional legal landscape. The Lead Counsel advises regional leadership on commercial, corporate, compliance, employment, and regulatory legal matters, and oversees legal activities within the region.

How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities)

• Provide Legal Counsel Across EMEA: Advise executive and regional leadership on legal risks, regulatory obligations, and compliance standards affecting operations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and local jurisdictions.
• Draft and Negotiate Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate national and international contracts including agency, distribution, procurement, services, employment, and logistics agreements to support business continuity and mitigate risk.
• Support Corporate Governance and Entity Management: Maintain legal entity records and secretarial documentation for entities established or existing in the region. Prepare resolutions and ensure intercompany agreements are current, compliant, and aligned with operational changes.
• Lead Litigation, Risk Management, and Dispute Resolution: Oversee litigation strategy and manage civil or administrative claims in the region. Supervise external counsel and ensure cost-effective, high-quality legal representation.
• Advise on Employment Law and Labor Relations: Counsel HR and management on employee-related legal matters including reorganizations, employment contracts, consultations, and dispute resolution under varying national laws.
• Conduct Due Diligence and Manage 3rd Party Risk: Oversee third-party risk management and due diligence related to vendors, partners, and acquisitions. Ensure that third-party relationships align with company policies and compliance obligations.
• Support Strategic Transactions: Provide legal advice and documentation support for strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures involving EMEA operations.
• Monitor and Report on Legal Developments: Continuously track relevant legal developments across the region and proactively advise business and legal stakeholders on regulatory impacts.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally and Globally: Partner with internal teams across Finance, HR, Operations, Commercial, and Sourcing, as well as with global legal, tax, treasury, and communications colleagues.
• Lead and Mentor Legal Professionals: Directly manage and develop legal team members in the region. Supervise external counsel, allocate legal resources, and build a high-performing legal support model.

What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities)

• Qualified to practice law in at least one major EMEA jurisdiction
• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited institution; advanced legal degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, with significant time spent in a regional or international role
• Deep expertise in commercial, corporate, labor, regulatory, compliance, data privacy, and anti-bribery laws applicable across EMEA
• Experience leading or managing legal professionals and overseeing external counsel
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills
• Proven ability to operate in a matrixed, multinational environment and to partner across functions and borders
• Fluent in English; additional languages (e.g., Arabic, French, or German) preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable working in digital contract and compliance management systems

Competencies Desired

• Strategic Influence – Advises with clarity and credibility at the executive level and aligns legal guidance with business objectives
• Cross-Cultural Agility – Navigates complex cultural, legal, and business environments with ease and effectiveness
• Executional Excellence – Delivers accurate and timely legal outcomes in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Risk Management Orientation – Identifies, mitigates, and communicates legal risks before they impact the business
• Leadership and Mentorship – Develops talent, leads with empathy and confidence, and cultivates high-performing legal teams

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements

• Global role requiring adaptability to diverse time zones and occasional extended working hours during critical projects
• Travel up to 30%, including overnight international travel, to support business operations, legal proceedings, and leadership engagements across EMEA
• Standard office physical requirements; majority of work performed in a stationary setting using digital tools and platforms