At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting marketing initiatives and events across Europe, KSA, and MEA.
- Company: Join Valvoline Global, a pioneer in automotive solutions since 1866.
- Benefits: Hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on care, integrity, and excellence.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team driving innovation in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field; 5-7 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
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
The EMEA Strategic Marketing Activation & Programmes Lead is responsible for driving the successful execution of regional marketing initiatives across Europe, KSA, and MEA. This role serves as the backbone for strategic sponsorship activations, events, campaign execution, content management, marketing operations, and digital support, ensuring regional priorities are translated into high-quality, consistent execution.
Working in close partnership with Brand, Digital, Product Marketing, Sales, Activation teams, Global Centers of Excellence (COEs), and external agencies, the role coordinates complex, cross-functional marketing programs while maintaining brand consistency, operational excellence, and efficient delivery across multiple markets.
How You Make an Impact
Strategic Marketing Activation & Sponsorship
- Lead the execution of regional marketing activation programs, including global sponsorship platforms such as Aston Martin Formula One.
- Translate global marketing strategies, sponsorship rights, and brand standards into actionable regional activation plans.
- Coordinate cross-functional execution across Marketing, Sales, Global COEs, agencies, and external partners.
- Manage activation timelines, governance, approvals, and post-program evaluations to ensure successful delivery.
Events & Brand Experience
- Deliver brand-consistent customer events and experiences across the EMEA region.
- Coordinate agencies, production partners, suppliers, and vendors to ensure high-quality execution.
- Develop event playbooks, execution toolkits, and post-event reviews that improve consistency and operational effectiveness.
- Support branded experiences through asset management, messaging, customer engagement, and content capture.
Marketing Operations & Programme Management
- Manage marketing calendars, project plans, campaign trackers, and execution timelines across regional initiatives.
- Support budget administration, purchase order processes, vendor coordination, procurement activities, and invoice tracking.
- Coordinate merchandise planning, ordering, inventory visibility, and distribution activities.
- Support Marketing Support Fund (MSF) administration and documentation in accordance with established governance processes.
Content & Campaign Execution
- Manage regional marketing content libraries, campaign assets, photography, event materials, and brand resources.
- Coordinate the development and distribution of campaign assets for regional teams, distributors, and commercial partners.
- Ensure marketing content remains current, accessible, and aligned with global brand standards.
- Support campaign toolkit development and internal content management processes.
Digital Marketing Support
- Partner with the EMEA Digital Lead to coordinate digital campaign execution across web, social media, and digital marketing channels.
- Manage digital content calendars, asset readiness, localization, approvals, and publishing timelines.
- Support collection of digital performance inputs and ensure marketing assets meet platform and brand requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Build strong working relationships across regional marketing teams, Global COEs, Sales, Finance, Procurement, and external partners.
- Identify opportunities to improve marketing processes, execution efficiency, and operational consistency.
- Contribute to the development of scalable tools, templates, and best practices that strengthen regional marketing execution.
What You Bring to the Role
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Professional certification in Project Management, Digital Marketing, or Event Management is preferred.
Experience
- 5–7 years of experience in marketing operations, campaign execution, sponsorship activation, event management, digital marketing, or project management.
- Experience within B2B, automotive, lubricants, FMCG, or other multi-market commercial environments preferred.
- Experience managing agencies, suppliers, and cross-functional marketing initiatives.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of integrated marketing execution, campaign management, and brand governance.
- Experience supporting events, sponsorships, content development, and digital marketing activities.
- Knowledge of marketing budgets, procurement processes, purchase orders, and vendor management.
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of digital marketing channels, content management, asset libraries, and campaign publishing.
- Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel skills; experience with SharePoint, DAM systems, or project management platforms preferred.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate effectively within a complex global matrix organization while maintaining attention to detail and execution excellence.
Competencies Desired
- Execution Excellence - Drives projects from planning through delivery while maintaining quality, consistency, and attention to detail.
- Collaboration - Builds effective partnerships across functions, markets, agencies, and global teams to achieve shared business objectives.
- Planning & Organization - Effectively prioritises work, manages competing deadlines, and coordinates multiple initiatives across diverse stakeholders.
- Customer & Brand Focus - Ensures all marketing activities consistently reinforce the Valvoline brand while delivering meaningful customer experiences.
- Continuous Improvement - Proactively identifies opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance marketing effectiveness.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements
- Hybrid office environment with frequent collaboration across global time zones.
- Regular use of computers and virtual collaboration tools; ability to remain stationary for extended periods during normal office work.
- Occasional travel may be required.
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, colour, 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.
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.
Marketing Activation Programmes Lead in London employer: Valvoline Global
At Valvoline Global Operations, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions creativity, innovation, and collaboration. As a leader in the automotive industry, we offer our employees exceptional growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to be part of a team that is committed to excellence and sustainability. Located in a hybrid office environment, our team members enjoy the flexibility to collaborate across global time zones while contributing to impactful marketing initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing Activation Programmes Lead in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Valvoline Global and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Valvoline Global are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Valvoline Global on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Valvoline Global. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing Activation Programmes Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Valvoline Global. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Valvoline Global:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Valvoline Global’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valvoline Global
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Valvoline Global will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Valvoline Global, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.