Senior Business Development Manager

Valvoline Global Operations; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global lubricant company in Greater London is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive strategic growth initiatives. This pivotal role requires over 10 years of experience in the lubricants industry, with a strong focus on M&A and business development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, advanced financial modeling skills, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional projects. This position offers a hybrid work model with travel opportunities, including international travel.

Benefits

Flexible working conditions

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the lubricants industry, focused on business development.
• 5+ years of experience in M&A or strategic consulting.
• Deep commercial acumen and proactive growth opportunity identification.

Responsibilities

• Develop inorganic growth strategies for lubricants in key markets.
• Evaluate M&A and joint venture opportunities in partnership with teams.
• Lead negotiation strategies and business case development for transactions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Financial modeling skills

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Work Location Type: Hybrid

Description

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.

Job Purpose

Valvoline is Aramco’s downstream consumer‑facing lubricant business and is targeting a top‑three position in the global lubricant industry by 2033. The VGO Global Business Development is charged with enabling long‑term market share acceleration and leads the identification, development, and execution of inorganic growth strategies – including M&A, equity investments, and joint ventures. This Business Development Manager role plays a critical part in shaping and executing these strategies by leveraging strategic insights, market intelligence, and commercial rigor to identify and capture transformative opportunities.

This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, commercial insight, financial acumen, and cross‑functional collaboration. It operates in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment and involves significant influence over internal decision‑making processes, alignment with senior stakeholders, and interaction with external partners such as investment banks and consulting firms.

How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities)

Drive Strategic Inorganic Growth Initiatives

· Develop inorganic growth strategies for transport and non‑transport lubricants in priority markets, synthesizing market insights, competitor analysis, and internal capabilities.

· Shape long‑term growth plans that align with Valvoline’s ambition and Aramco’s broader downstream strategy.

Originate and Evaluate M&A, Equity, and JV Opportunities

· Establish target selection criteria in partnership with corporate development and functional teams.

· Lead the evaluation of opportunities, from early‑stage market screening to detailed diligence in collaboration with internal and external partners, including identification of mutual sources of value, transaction structures and deal perimeters.

Lead Commercial and Strategic Aspects of Transactions

· Support corporate development in transaction modeling, valuation (DCF, NPV, ROCE), scenario analysis, and synergy assessments.

· Co‑develop negotiation strategies, lead business case development, and provide strategic guidance throughout the deal lifecycle.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration and Business Model Innovation

· Collaborate with regional leaders and cross‑functional teams (e.g., Product, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal) to co‑create new or refined business models tailored to market dynamics.

· Translate strategic insights into executable plans aligned with operational capabilities.

Project Leadership and Stakeholder Management

· Lead complex projects in a matrixed environment, aligning cross‑functional stakeholders around key priorities and ensuring timely execution.

· Track progress across the BD pipeline and manage internal governance and approval processes.

Execution Agility and Market Responsiveness

· Navigate ambiguity and complexity to maintain momentum across initiatives.

· Deliver outcomes at pace while maintaining alignment with strategic intent.

Team and Organizational Contribution

· Provide regional BD presence and coverage as needed.

· Mentor junior team members and contribute to building a high‑performance, collaborative culture.

What You Bring to the Role

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.

10+ years of experience in the lubricants industry, with expertise in business development, strategy and inorganics.

5+ years of experience in M&A or strategic consulting.

Deep commercial acumen and the ability to identify and unlock growth opportunities.

Advanced financial modelling skills, including DCF, NPV, ROCE, and scenario planning.

Strong project management capabilities and proven ability to lead initiatives in a global matrix environment.

Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally and cross‑culturally and influence without authority.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving results under pressure.

Competencies Desired

Strategic Thinking – Synthesizes complex data and insights to form cohesive, forward‑looking strategies that guide business development priorities and long‑term positioning.

Commercial Acumen – Understands key market drivers and uses this insight to shape opportunity evaluation and drive investment decisions aligned with growth goals.

Financial Acumen – Applies robust financial models and valuation techniques to assess deal viability and optimize business outcomes.

Project Leadership – Effectively manages multiple high‑impact projects across stakeholders and time zones, ensuring alignment and timely execution.

Execution & Agility – Delivers results with speed and adaptability, adjusting to changing conditions while maintaining strategic focus.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements

Role is primarily office‑based.

Frequent interaction with cross‑regional and global teams; flexibility across time zones may be required.

Travel up to 50%, including international travel and overnight stays.

Equal Opportunity

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:

Email: [e-mail]

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.