Director Environmental ESG

Valvoline•Charlotte, AL

13d•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 Director provides strategic direction and governance for environmental risk management, regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, environmental reporting, and ESG performance across global operations. The role develops and executes enterprise-wide strategies that support business objectives, regulatory obligations, Responsible Care® commitments, and sustainability goals. The Director partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure compliance, reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen ESG performance. The position directly leads two team members and influences environmental and sustainability performance across manufacturing plants, laboratories, distribution facilities, and corporate functions globally. The position is onsite Monday through Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky, with approximately 20% travel, including occasional international travel and overnight stays. The role leads global environmental compliance and risk management; ESG strategy, governance, and sustainability initiatives; environmental programs, standards, and management systems; ESG reporting, environmental data, and stakeholder engagement; leadership and capability building; and strategic planning and continuous improvement. It oversees environmental permits, compliance obligations, audits, incidents, regulatory interactions, sustainability programs and metrics, enterprise reporting, and development of environmental expertise across the organization.

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 to domestic and international locations, approximately 20%, including occasional international travel and 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 the global environmental compliance strategy and management systems across manufacturing, laboratory, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Provide corporate oversight of environmental permitting, permit renewals, regulatory reporting, and compliance obligations.
Ensure permits, inspections, corrective actions, and reporting deadlines are managed through corporate tracking systems and site ownership processes.
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 responses to significant environmental incidents, releases, notices of violation, and regulatory inquiries.
Partner with Legal and Operations leadership on environmental compliance risks and regulatory agency interactions.
Design, implement, and improve the ESG management framework and governance processes.
Lead environmental sustainability strategies, goals, metrics, and performance improvement initiatives, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency, waste minimization, water stewardship, pollution prevention, and circular economy programs.
Facilitate ESG steering committees, working groups, and cross-functional governance teams.
Support long-term environmental sustainability roadmaps aligned with business growth strategies and stakeholder expectations.
Identify emerging ESG trends, risks, opportunities, and reporting requirements that may affect the organization.
Lead development and continuous improvement of corporate environmental standards, procedures, and management systems.
Provide strategic leadership for Responsible Care® RC14001 requirements and associated audit programs.
Develop environmental compliance tools, guidance, training, and performance dashboards.
Ensure environmental programs address air emissions, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, chemical management, spill prevention, sustainability, and environmental stewardship requirements.
Establish environmental performance metrics and governance mechanisms to 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 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.
Partner with Communications, Legal, Procurement, Operations, and Commercial teams to ensure ESG disclosures are consistent and accurate.
Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on environmental and ESG performance, risks, and opportunities.
Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and foster technical excellence and professional growth.
Provide environmental expertise and strategic support to Regional EHS Directors, EHS Managers, and site leadership teams.
Conduct field visits, audits, assessments, and training to verify compliance and build organizational capability.
Develop environmental competency programs across the organization.
Influence leaders to advance environmental stewardship and ESG accountability throughout the business.
Develop and execute global environmental and ESG strategic plans, annual goals, KPIs, and multi-year improvement plans aligned with corporate objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve environmental performance, operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainability outcomes.
Benchmark industry practices and implement innovative approaches to environmental management and ESG advancement.
Lead special projects and strategic initiatives supporting enterprise growth, operational excellence, and sustainability commitments.