Strategic Partnerships Manager; Liquid Cooling Solutions

Location:

Lexington, KY, US, 40509

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-style 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 are open to candidates working in a remote capacity. This role requires significant travel to client sites, industry events, and partner meetings, accounting for up to 50% of the time.

The Strategic Partnerships Manager will drive deeper expansion into the data center cooling market and support both strategic and tactical commercial initiatives. This role requires a blend of technical understanding in data center operations or liquid cooling technologies and strong business development skills. The ideal candidate will build partnerships with chip manufacturers, server makers, cooling system providers, engineering firms, and reseller organizations, helping integrate Valvoline’s cooling fluids into their solutions and end‑customer environments.

Success in this role requires strong professionalism, clear communication, disciplined pipeline management, and an entrepreneurial mindset as we grow our presence in this space.

The role will work closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, and regional leadership to align technical capabilities with commercial execution. Externally, the role requires the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of personnel at partner organizations, including C‑suite leaders, technical experts, engineering teams, sales teams, facilities managers, and operations personnel.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify, qualify, and develop relationships with chip makers, server OEMs, cooling hardware providers, engineering firms, and reseller partners.
• Build credibility through consistent follow‑up, thoughtful communication, and professional representation of Valvoline.
• Support early business discussions, alignment efforts, and partnership development activities.

Market Development, Outbound Prospecting, and Pipeline Management

• Conduct regular outbound outreach to generate new opportunities, including with engineering firms and reseller organizations that influence or specify cooling designs.
• Build and manage the opportunity pipeline in Salesforce, ensuring accurate updates and clear visibility for cross‑functional planning.
• Track partner interactions, prospects, and follow‑up items to maintain strong momentum across the funnel.

Technical Sales Support

• Engage R&D and technical resources when needed to support customer conversations.
• Assist with technical presentations, sample coordination, proof‑of‑concept activities, and fluid approvals with OEMs, engineering firms, and resellers.

Industry Presence and Networking

• Represent Valvoline at industry events, conferences, and partner gatherings…