Senior Procurement Specialist

Valvoline Inc.
Lexington, KY

It All Starts with Our People

As the leader in automotive preventive maintenance, Valvoline has a proven track record of growth. We continue to invest in our people, processes, and technology to strengthen our ability to efficiently deliver Quick, Easy, Trusted service across all our stores – every day. We're not just in the car business; we're in the people business. And we're looking for humble, hungry, and smart people to help us shape the future of mobility. If you're hungry to drive change and seek a dynamic, collaborative environment that fuels both personal and professional growth, you've found your place with us.


Our highest priority is creating a welcoming workplace with team members from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences.


The Opportunity

The Sr. Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing sourcing activities, supplier relationships, and contract management within the Marketing category. This role partners closely with Marketing and internal stakeholders to understand business requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and select suppliers that deliver the best overall value to the organization.


The position leads competitive sourcing initiatives, manages supplier performance, and oversees the full contract lifecycle including negotiations and renewals. Through market analysis, supplier segmentations, and strong stakeholder engagement, this role supports cost optimization, mitigates supplier risk, and contributes to Valvoline's overall procurement strategy.


This role plays a key part in delivering procurement value through strategic supplier partnerships, effective sourcing strategies, and disciplined contract management.



How You'll Make a Difference

  • Strategic Sourcing and Category Support: Lead sourcing initiatives including assessment of business requirements, supplier evaluation, and competitive bidding processes (RFP/RFI). Conduct market and industry analysis to identify qualified suppliers and develop sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and service outcomes. Identify and deliver cost savings and value improvement opportunities through negotiations, demand management, and supplier consolidation strategies.
  • Stakeholder Partnership and Business Support: Serve as the procurement subject matter expert for the Marketing category. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, provide guidance on supplier selection, and ensure procurement strategies align with business objectives. Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives involving Marketing, Legal, and other internal partners.
  • Contract Lifecycle Management: Support the development, negotiation, execution and ongoing administration of supplier contracts including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and pricing agreements. Manage the full contract lifecycle including contract tracking, performance monitoring, and renewal management. Partner with Legal and internal stakeholders to ensure contracts align with company policies and effectively mitigate risk.
  • Supplier Relationship and Performance Management: Manage supplier relationships to ensure strong performance, service quality, and alignment with business expectations. Monitor supplier performance using service levels, KPIs, and regular performance reviews. Work collaboratively with suppliers to resolve issues, improve service delivery, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Vendor Risk Management: Ensure suppliers are appropriately evaluated and monitored to mitigate risks related to supply disruption, environmental impact, cyber security, legal exposure, and data protection. Collaborate with internal risk, legal, and compliance teams to ensure supplier adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Market Intelligence and Procurement Governance: Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging suppliers, and market conditions impacting the Marketing category. Ensure sourcing activities follow Valvoline procurement policies, approval processes and governance requirements.
  • Spend Analysis & Reporting: Analyze spend data to identify cost reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation strategies, and sourcing efficiencies. Provide reporting and insights to support procurement decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 5-7 years of procurement, purchasing or supply chain experience
  • Experience leading strategic sourcing initiatives and managing supplier relationships
  • Experience conducting RFP/RFI processes and negotiating supplier agreements.
  • Experience managing contract lifecycle activities including renewals and supplier performance
  • Experience working cross-functionally with business stakeholders
  • Experience with SAP or other procurement/ERP systems preferred
  • Marketing category sourcing experience is a plus
  • Professional procurement certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or CSCP is a plus but not required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret spend data and market trends
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and suppliers
  • Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities
  • Ability to effectively communicate with C-Suite and senior leadership and influence business stakeholders
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Experience with procurement or ERP systems (SAP preferred)
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Detail oriented with the ability to work independently and drive initiatives to completion
  • Primarily office-based work. Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods. Occasional lifting of office materials up to 10 pounds may be required.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.


We Take Care of the WHOLE You

  • 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
  • Valvoline Instant Oil Change discounts
  • Tuition reimbursement*
  • Adoption assistance*

*Terms and conditions apply, and benefits may differ depending on position.


Your Path to Valvoline

Valvoline provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


Join us in revolutionizing the automotive aftermarket industry while enjoying competitive benefits, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for advancement. Apply now and become an integral part of our journey at Valvoline.


The Company endeavors to make its recruitment process accessible to any and all users. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to applicants with disabilities to facilitate equal opportunity throughout the recruitment and selection process. Please contact Human Resources at 1.833.VVV.Report or email ECC@valvoline.com to make a request for reasonable accommodation during any aspect of the recruitment and selection process. The contact information is for accommodation requests only; do not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications.

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