Director Environmental ESG

Valvoline Global•Lexington, KY

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 that support business objectives, regulatory obligations, Responsible Care® commitments, and sustainability goals. The role partners with functions including Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and Commercial to ensure compliance, reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen ESG performance. It directly leads two team members and influences performance across manufacturing plants, laboratories, distribution facilities, and corporate functions globally. The position is onsite Monday through Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky. The Director leads global environmental compliance and risk management; develops ESG governance and sustainability strategies; oversees environmental programs, standards, and management systems; directs ESG reporting and environmental data processes; builds organizational capability; and executes strategic plans and continuous-improvement initiatives. The role includes approximately 20% travel, including occasional international travel and overnight stays.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Sustainability, Occupational Safety, or a related technical discipline.
At least 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 and 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 environmental compliance strategy and management systems across global manufacturing, laboratory, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Oversee environmental permitting, renewals, reporting requirements, compliance obligations, inspections, corrective actions, and deadlines.
Monitor environmental regulations, assess business impacts, and develop compliance implementation plans.
Serve as corporate environmental subject matter expert for federal, state, local, and international regulations.
Lead investigations and responses involving significant environmental incidents, releases, notices of violation, and regulatory inquiries; partner with Legal and Operations on compliance risks and agency interactions.
Design, implement, and improve the ESG management framework and governance processes.
Lead environmental sustainability strategies, goals, metrics, and performance initiatives, including greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, waste minimization, water stewardship, pollution prevention, and circular economy programs.
Facilitate ESG steering committees, working groups, and cross-functional governance teams; develop long-term sustainability roadmaps and assess emerging ESG trends, risks, opportunities, and reporting requirements.
Develop and improve corporate environmental standards, procedures, management systems, compliance tools, guidance, training, and performance dashboards.
Provide strategic leadership for Responsible Care® RC14001 environmental management system requirements and audit programs.
Oversee environmental programs addressing air emissions, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, chemical management, spill prevention, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Establish environmental performance metrics and governance mechanisms that support accountability and continuous improvement.
Lead enterprise environmental and ESG reporting, including collection, validation, analysis, and communication of performance data.
Support customer sustainability requests, supplier assessments, ESG questionnaires, and regulatory disclosures.
Direct lifecycle assessments, product carbon footprinting, and Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions analyses as required.
Coordinate ESG disclosures with Communications, Legal, Procurement, Operations, and Commercial teams; prepare executive-level reporting and presentations.
Lead, coach, and develop direct reports; provide expertise to Regional EHS Directors, EHS Managers, and site leaders.
Conduct field visits, audits, assessments, and training; develop environmental competency programs and influence environmental stewardship and accountability across the organization.
Develop global environmental and ESG strategic plans, annual goals, KPIs, and multi-year improvement plans aligned with corporate objectives.
Identify performance and operational improvement opportunities, benchmark industry practices, implement innovative approaches, and lead special projects supporting growth, operational excellence, and sustainability commitments.