Head of Communications & External Affairs, Castrol (Europe)

Entity:

People, Culture & Communications

Job Family Group:

Communications & External Affairs Group

Job Description:

This role leads communications and external affairs across Europe, balancing reputation, engagement and policy influence in a complex, multi-country environment.

Partnering closely with the Europe PU Lead, it sets direction, advises senior leaders and ensures consistent, effective positioning across internal and external audiences.

Key accountabilities

Communications

• Set and deliver the Europe communications strategy aligned to business priorities
• Advise leaders on messaging, positioning and visibility
• Lead media, thought leadership and reputation management
• Align corporate and product narratives with marketing
• Drive internal communications and employee engagement across markets
• Support transformation and change through clear, targeted communication
• Oversee content and channels, ensuring quality, consistency and compliance

External Affairs & Government Engagement

• Lead external affairs strategy linked to commercial and reputational priorities
• Build and manage relationships with policymakers, regulators and industry bodies
• Support government engagement, ensuring consistency across markets
• Identify and manage policy, regulatory and societal risks
• Shape advocacy positions and engagement on priority issues
• Support licence-to-operate and social performance activity

Crisis & Issues

• Lead crisis communications and issues management across Europe
• Prepare leaders and coordinate clear, timely responses to emerging risks

Collaboration

• Partner with senior leaders and country teams to align delivery
• Balance regional consistency with local market nuance

Experience

• Strong background in communications and external affairs, ideally across Europe
• Experience advising senior leaders on reputation, risk and stakeholder engagement
• Clear understanding of European policy, regulatory and cultural landscapes
• Proven crisis and issues management capability
• Strong judgement, influencing skills and concise communication style!

Desirable

• Experience with policymakers, regulators or industry associations
• Exposure to energy, automotive, industrial or tech sectors
• Familiarity with Works Council environments
• Additional European languages

This is a role within the Castrol organisation and the successful candidate will become part of the Castrol ring-fence. Hence, it is expected that your employment will move with Castrol to new ownership.

Why join us?

We're committed to supporting leaders who want to make an impact. You will have the chance to shape and influence significant business outcomes. You’ll be part of an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and where your contribution to performance and integration matters. We invest in the growth and wellbeing of our people, providing the resources, networks, and development opportunities needed to thrive.

Our total rewards package includes competitive pay, bonuses and a range of benefits designed to meet your needs. We recognise that people have multifaceted lives, and we strive to offer a career experience that reflects that.

Apply now!!

Travel Requirement

Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

Relocation may be negotiable for this role

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Advocacy, Advocacy, Agility core practices, Analytical Thinking, Brand visual standards, Business Acumen, Campaigning, Channel Management, Coaching, Collaboration, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Content Design, Creating and measuring impact, Crisis Communications, Digital Communication, Digital Fluency, Employee Engagement, Influencing, Issues and Policy Management (Inactive), Listening, Market Trends, Performance Consulting, Presenting, Stakeholder Engagement {+ 1 more}

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.

BP Energy