Counsel, Employment & Litigation Job at Valvoline Global (Lexington)

Job Description

The Employment & Litigation Counsel serves as a key legal advisor to Valvoline Global Operations (VGO), providing strategic and day-to-day counsel on employment law, litigation, and global compliance matters. This role partners closely with Risk, Human Resources, the Employee Relations Center of Excellence (COE), and the Ethics & Compliance COE to proactively manage disputes and legal risk, ensure consistent application of policies, and support a fair and compliant workplace across jurisdictions.

Job Responsibility

Serve as a trusted advisor to HR, Employee Relations COE, and business leaders, defining proactive risk management strategies and practical legal counsel on complex employment matters
Lead cross-functional initiatives impacting enterprise-wide employment practices, including on employee relations issues, performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and reductions in force
Influence senior leaders and drive alignment on complex leave management and accommodation matters, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, and applicable state/local requirements
Develop frameworks and standards for handling employment laws across multiple jurisdictions, promoting global consistency while accounting for local requirements
Define and drive employment legal strategy, aligning with business objectives, in the development of global employment policies, procedures, and guidelines
Lead management of certain commercial, regulatory, class action, and employment-related claims, (including agency charges, demand letters, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution)
Direct outside counsel, including strategy development, case oversight, and budget management
Conduct early case assessments, conduct fact investigations and legal research, evaluate risk exposure, and develop resolution strategies aligned with business objectives
Develop and execute practical, business-oriented litigation and pre-litigation strategies to proactively position disputes for favorable outcomes
Lead high-risk and complex disputes, engaging senior leadership as appropriate
Independently lead sensitive and complex internal investigations, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct
Collaborate with Employee Relations and Ethics and Compliance COEs to lead consistent and thorough investigative processes
Develop clear findings, documentation, and actionable recommendations to leadership
Support external and internal audits (including Aramco-related audits), ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented responses and follow-ups
Establish consistent legal positions and guidance across the organization to ensure alignment with legal and compliance requirements
Partner with Ethics and Compliance and HR to strengthen global employment compliance frameworks
Develop and deliver training and educational content for HR and business leaders on employment law topics, emerging trends, and regulatory changes
Collaborate closely with Employee Relations COE and Ethics and Compliance COE to drive investigations, policy application, and risk mitigation strategies
Lead large-scale, global initiatives, providing subject matter expertise on employment compliance considerations
Influence global employment project outcomes by identifying and anticipating risks and proactively shaping organizational response
Influence business leaders and regional legal teams to develop pragmatic solutions that reduce future litigation exposure

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
5–8+ years of relevant, progressive legal experience, with a strong focus on employment law and litigation (in-house and/or law firm experience)
Demonstrated experience managing employment litigation and agency matters independently
Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and state equivalents
Experience supporting government investigations, audits, compliance initiatives, or regulatory reviews preferred
Familiarity with global employment law considerations and multi-jurisdictional environments
Proven ability to lead complex internal investigations and direct sensitive employee relations matters
Experience working with HR, Employee Relations, and/or Compliance functions
Strong business acumen with the ability to develop practical, risk-balanced legal strategy
Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion
Ability to travel up to 15% annually, including support for audits, investigations, hearings, or global initiatives

Nice to have

Experience supporting government investigations, audits, compliance initiatives, or regulatory reviews preferred
Familiarity with global employment law considerations and multi-jurisdictional environments

What we offer

Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
Health Savings Account (with employer-base deposit and match)
Flexible spending accounts
Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match
Incentive opportunity
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Employee discounts
PTO Buy/Sell Options
Tuition reimbursement
Adoption assistance

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Counsel, Employment & Litigation

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