At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global media strategy and protect Castrol's public reputation.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Castrol, part of bp, focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, great work-life balance, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Shape global narratives and influence perceptions in a high-impact role.
- Qualifications: Extensive media relations experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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!
Travel Requirement: Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role
Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation
Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working
Head of Global Media Relations, Castrol in Reading employer: Bp Energy
At Castrol, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment that champions employee growth and innovation. As a leader in the automotive and energy sectors, we offer exceptional benefits, including flexible working options and comprehensive health packages, all while empowering our team to shape the future of mobility. Join us in a role that not only influences global media strategy but also contributes to a sustainable and collaborative culture, making a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Global Media Relations, Castrol in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its media strategies. Understand their brand positioning and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! As a potential spokesperson, you need to convey messages clearly and compellingly. Use mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you can handle tough questions with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Media Relations, Castrol in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Global Media Relations role. Highlight your media relations experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:In your application, demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives. Use examples from your past roles where you successfully managed media communications or handled crises, as this will resonate well with us at Castrol.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key messages come across effectively. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a role focused on media relations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance to be considered for this exciting opportunity with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bp Energy
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the global media landscape, especially in the automotive and energy sectors. Familiarise yourself with key journalists, influencers, and trends that could impact Castrol's reputation. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can shape and lead their media strategy.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Given the importance of crisis management in this role, prepare for potential crisis scenarios that Castrol might face. Think through your responses and develop holding statements or Q&As. This will not only showcase your strategic thinking but also demonstrate your readiness to handle high-pressure situations.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Head of Global Media Relations, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully crafted compelling narratives in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would align Castrol’s messaging with its business priorities and brand positioning, ensuring a consistent narrative across all regions.
✨Engage with Senior Leadership Insights
Understand the perspectives and priorities of senior leadership within Castrol. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would provide authoritative media counsel to them. Highlight your experience in coaching executives for public appearances and how you can enhance their media engagement strategies.
