Environmental/ESG Director

Valvoline Global•Cincinnati, OH

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Environmental Compliance & ESG is Valvoline Global Operations’ senior leader for global environmental compliance, environmental sustainability, and ESG program leadership. Reporting to the Vice President, EHS, the role provides strategic direction and governance for environmental risk management, regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, environmental reporting, and ESG performance across global operations. The Director develops and executes enterprise-wide environmental and ESG strategies supporting business objectives, regulatory obligations, Responsible Care® commitments, and sustainability goals. The role partners with teams across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and Commercial, and directly leads two team members while influencing performance across global manufacturing plants, laboratories, distribution facilities, and corporate functions. The position leads global environmental compliance and risk management, including oversight of permitting, reporting, regulatory obligations, incident response, and agency interactions. It establishes and improves ESG governance and sustainability programs, including efforts addressing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, waste, water stewardship, pollution prevention, and circular economy initiatives. The Director also leads environmental standards and management systems, Responsible Care® RC14001 requirements and audits, environmental performance metrics, enterprise ESG reporting, environmental data processes, lifecycle assessments, product carbon footprints, and emissions analyses. The role leads and develops direct reports, provides expertise to regional and site EHS leaders, and conducts facility visits, audits, assessments, and training. It develops global strategic plans, annual goals, KPIs, and multi-year improvement plans, while identifying opportunities to improve environmental performance, operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainability. The role is onsite Monday through Thursday in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a primarily office-based environment with regular interaction with operational facilities and approximately 20% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Sustainability, Occupational Safety, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of progressive environmental compliance, sustainability, ESG, or EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing, chemical, industrial, or consumer products environment.
Experience leading multi-site or global environmental compliance programs.
Experience developing and implementing ESG and sustainability strategies, metrics, and reporting programs.
Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
Knowledge of environmental regulatory compliance, permitting, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of air emissions, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, and chemical management programs.
Knowledge of ESG frameworks, sustainability reporting, greenhouse gas accounting, carbon footprinting, and lifecycle assessments.
Knowledge of environmental management systems, including RC14001/Responsible Care® principles.
Knowledge of environmental auditing, risk assessment, and compliance management systems.
Strategic planning and execution capabilities.
Strong business acumen and risk management mindset.
Ability to lead organizational change and influence without direct authority.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and environmental reporting systems.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally, approximately 20%, including occasional overnight stays.
Ability to conduct facility inspections, audits, and assessments in manufacturing and industrial environments.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment when visiting operational facilities.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and operate standard office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or related field).
Prior people leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Lead global environmental compliance strategy and management systems across manufacturing, laboratory, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Oversee environmental permitting, renewals, reporting requirements, regulatory obligations, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance deadlines.
Monitor environmental regulations, assess business impacts, and develop implementation plans to maintain compliance.
Serve as the corporate environmental subject matter expert for federal, state, local, and international regulations.
Lead investigations and response activities related to significant environmental incidents, releases, notices of violation, and regulatory inquiries.
Partner with Legal and Operations leadership to manage compliance risks and regulatory agency interactions.
Design, implement, and continuously improve ESG management frameworks and governance processes.
Lead environmental sustainability strategies, goals, metrics, and performance improvement initiatives.
Drive programs for greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, waste minimization, water stewardship, pollution prevention, and circular economy initiatives.
Facilitate ESG steering committees, working groups, and cross-functional governance teams.
Develop long-term sustainability roadmaps aligned with business growth strategies and stakeholder expectations.
Identify emerging ESG trends, risks, opportunities, and reporting requirements.
Develop and improve corporate environmental standards, procedures, and management systems.
Lead Responsible Care® RC14001 environmental management system requirements and associated audit programs.
Develop environmental compliance tools, guidance, training, and performance dashboards.
Establish environmental performance metrics and governance mechanisms that promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Lead enterprise environmental and ESG reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
Oversee collection, validation, analysis, and communication of environmental and sustainability data.
Support customer sustainability requests, supplier assessments, ESG questionnaires, and regulatory disclosures.
Direct lifecycle assessments, product carbon footprints, and Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions analyses as needed.
Coordinate with Communications, Legal, Procurement, Operations, and Commercial teams to ensure ESG disclosures are consistent and accurate.
Prepare executive-level reporting and presentations on environmental and ESG performance, risks, and opportunities.
Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and support their technical and professional growth.
Provide environmental expertise and strategic support to Regional EHS Directors, EHS Managers, and site leadership teams.
Conduct facility visits, audits, assessments, and training to verify compliance and build organizational capability.
Develop environmental competency programs and influence leaders to strengthen environmental stewardship and ESG accountability.
Develop global environmental and ESG strategic plans, annual goals, KPIs, and multi-year improvement plans.
Benchmark industry best practices and lead initiatives to improve environmental performance, operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainability.
Lead special projects supporting enterprise growth, operational excellence, and sustainability commitments.