Head of Global Media Relations, Castrol

Entity: People, Culture & Communications Job Family Group: Communications & External Affairs Group Job Description: Our purpose is to bring together people, energy and markets to power and navigate a changing world. In a time of constant change and possibility we need new talent to pursue commercial opportunities, fuelled by world-class insight and expertise. We're always striving for more innovative digital solutions, sustainable outcomes and closer collaboration across our company and beyond, and you could be part of that too. About the Role: This is a role within the Castrol organisation and the successful candidate will become part of the Castrol ring-fence. If you are part of the ring-fence, it is expected that your employment will move with Castrol to new ownership. Castrol is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Global Media Relations to lead and shape the company's global media strategy and protect its public reputation. In this senior, high-impact role, you will serve as the global media relations lead and principal spokesperson, managing Castrol's global press office and acting as the primary partner concern for high-profile media matters, reputational risks, and strategic announcements. You will work in close partnership with senior leadership and communications teams globally to ensure a consistent, compelling external narrative, supporting Castrol's business priorities, brand positioning, and transformation journey. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the heart of a global organisation, influencing perception, managing risk, and driving proactive storytelling at scale. What You'll Do: Strategic Media Leadership Develop and deliver proactive and reactive global media strategies aligned to business priorities and brand positioning Act as Castrol's principal global spokesperson, providing authoritative media counsel to senior leaders Ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across regions and markets Global Press Office Management Lead and operate Castrol's global press office, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent media engagement Establish and evolve Day 1 operating models, processes, and reporting frameworks Shape and implement a future-state model for 24-hour media coverage Manage and oversee external agency partners, ensuring high-quality delivery Crisis & Issues Management Lead global media response to crises, major incidents, and reputational challenges Partner closely with senior communications leadership during high-stakes situations Drive crisis preparedness, including scenario planning, simulations, and media training Reputational Risk & Insight Identify emerging reputational risks and external issues Develop essential messaging, Q&As, and holding statements Maintain strong awareness of industry trends across automotive, energy, mobility, and lubricants Leadership & Advisory Provide coaching and guidance to senior leaders on media engagement Prepare executives for interviews, events, announcements, and public appearances Support capability building across global communications teams Content & Communications Materials Oversee development of press releases, statements, briefings, and media kits Ensure content is accurate, timely, and aligned to brand strategy, with global adaptability Stakeholder & Media Relationships Build and maintain strong relationships with global media, journalists, and influencers Collaborate across internal partners, including marketing, technology, sustainability, legal, and operations teams Act as a central contact for high-priority media engagement Monitoring, Insight & Reporting Oversee media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and reporting Use data-driven insights to refine strategy and find opportunities What We're Looking For: Experience Extensive experience in media relations, external communications, or journalism at an international level Proven track record leading media relations for a global organisation or major brand Strong experience as a company spokesperson and in managing high-profile media interactions Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and reputational risk management Skills & Capabilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues Strong understanding of global media landscapes, including digital and social media High level of judgement, political awareness, and resilience under pressure Strong partner management, with the ability to influence senior leaders Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global, matrixed environment Sector Experience Experience in automotive, energy, lubricants, industrial technology, mobility, or related sectors preferred Desirable Experience working within a matrixed global organisation. Prior experience building or restructuring press office functions. Familiarity with ESG related media, technology media, or automotive/mobility innovation ecosystems. Demonstrated ability to harness insights and digital monitoring tools. Experience of using AI in communications. Why join us? At bp, we provide an excellent working environment and employee benefits such as an open and inclusive culture, a great work-life balance, tremendous learning and development opportunities to craft your career path, life and health insurance, medical care package and many others. We support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and exciting environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to crafting an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly. There are many aspects of our employees' lives that are significant, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, collaboration spaces in a modern office environment, and others benefits. Reinvent your career as you help our business meet the challenges of the future. Apply now! 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. We're an international energy company with global scale, ambitious plans and a team of brilliant people delivering energy to the world, today and tomorrow.