via indeed · 29 May 2026 ·8 days ago

Head of Communications & External Affairs, Castrol (Europe)

bp
Reading Full-time
1,011 more jobs in Reading.
Upload your CV and see which ones actually match you.
Upload CV

Job category
Communications \& External Affairs
Experience level
Senior
Relocation available
Relocation may be negotiable for this role
Job type
Professionals
Travel required
Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role
Job code
RQ111291

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!!

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, 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.


Our innovative Energize recognition points programme and spot awards translate exceptional performance into tangible rewards, to motivate our high performers.

Pay

bp offers competitive pay in line with industry standards, making us an employer of choice.

Discretionary bonus

We offer discretionary bonuses to reward strong company, business unit and individual performance, and recognition awards, including those related to long service to recognize commitment to the company.

Retirement \& savings

We offer a range of discretionary retirement and savings plans to help provide you and your family with financial security.

Insurance benefits

To give you additional peace of mind, bp provides valuable insurance benefits in some countries. These are designed to provide financial assistance to employees and their families if employees become unwell or die in service.

Equity

Depending on your location and job level, there may be equity (stock and share) options you are eligible to join so you can be part of bp’s success.


Disclaimer

This is a high\-level summary only of terms and current discretionary benefits applicable to certain roles. Some rewards, benefits and policies are at managers’ discretion and vary depending on where you work within the business. All terms subject to contract and all discretionary benefits subject to policy and eligibility.

The market for this type of role

Similar openings
1,011
jobs in Reading
Full-time
80%
of roles in the UK
Remote possible
4%
of roles
bp

23 open positions · Bochum, El Pardo-Madrid, Gelsenkirchen, London, Milton Keynes +4

📊 Job market · the UK
70,547
active jobs
8.3%
Remote
Ø 2d
avg. online

Frequently asked questions

How many jobs are available in Reading?
Currently 1,011 roles in Reading on AlmostHired, across 337 different companies. Our data is updated daily.
Do roles in the UK offer remote work?
4% of roles in the UK allow remote work, either partial or full. To filter specifically for remote positions, use AlmostHired.
How do I know if I match this role?
Upload your CV — our AI compares your profile to the job requirements and gives you a precise match score, with matching and missing skills.