Senior Director, AI - #253911

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.

With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.

Our Corporate Values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, And Excellence—are At The Heart Of Everything We Do. These Values Define How We Operate, How We Treat One Another, And How We Engage With Our Partners, Customers, And The Communities We Serve. At Valvoline Global, We Are United In Our Commitment To

• Treating everyone with care.
• Acting with unwavering integrity.
• Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
• Delivering on our commitments with passion.
• Collaborating as one unified team.
  
  

When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.

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 remotely, but willing to visit HQs one week per month.

How You'll Make An Impact

Valvoline Global Operations is seeking a Senior Director of AI to lead the strategic development and deployment of artificial intelligence initiatives across our global enterprise. This leadership role will drive AI-driven innovations in supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, customer insights, digital transformation, and operational efficiencies. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in AI and machine learning, a strong understanding of industrial and retail operations, and the leadership ability to scale AI adoption across the organization.

Responsibilities Include

• AI Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and execute Valvoline’s global AI strategy, aligning with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Advise, lead, mentor, and scale a cross-functional collaborative team.
• Drive AI adoption across various business functions, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, and customer service.
• Collaborate with IT, operations, and leadership to ensure AI investments yield measurable business impact.
• AI Development & Implementation
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models to optimize key areas as:
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Predictive analytics for demand forecasting, inventory management, and transportation optimization.
• Manufacturing & Maintenance: AI-powered predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and reduce operational costs.
• Customer Engagement & Marketing: Personalized recommendations, AI-driven customer insights, and sentiment analysis.
• Product Development: Advanced data analytics to improve lubricant formulations and innovation.
• Ensure AI models are explainable, scalable, and integrated with existing business workflows.
• Business & Stakeholder Engagement
• Partner with C-suite executives and department heads to identify high-value AI opportunities.
• Communicate AI strategies, initiatives, and results to key stakeholders.
• Work closely with marketing, sales, and customer experience teams to leverage AI for enhanced digital transformation.
• Champion a data-driven culture by promoting AI literacy across the organization.
• AI Governance, Compliance & Ethical AI
• Implement AI governance frameworks to ensure ethical, fair, and responsible AI practices.
• Partner with the Cyber Security / Data Compliance Team to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and industry-specific standards.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to prevent AI bias, security threats, and model degradation.
  

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in data science, Machine Learning, or AI, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics.
• Strong proficiency in AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud AI platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and MLOps practices.
• Experience in industrial AI applications, including supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, and IoT-driven analytics.
• Solid understanding of AI ethics, governance, and compliance in a corporate setting.
• Proven track record of leading AI teams and managing large-scale AI projects.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate AI concepts into business impact.
• Experience managing AI budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional AI initiatives.
  
  

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience in AI-driven operations within manufacturing, automotive, or supply chain industries is a plus.
  
  

Benefits That Drive Themselves

• Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
• HSA and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k)
• Incentive opportunity*
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Adoption assistance*
  
  

=MW1

Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.

• Phone: 1-800-Valvoline
• Email: [email protected]
  
  

This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.

Requisition ID: 1344