Head of Communications & External Affairs, Castrol (China)

Entity: People, Culture & Communications

Job Family Group: Communications & External Affairs

Job Description:

Castrol is hiring a senior leader to take on external affairs and communications in China, its most strategically important and fast‑moving market. The role sits at the intersection of policy, reputation and business delivery. Working closely with the China PU Lead, it brings together government engagement, stakeholder management and communications to support growth, manage risk and maintain Castrol’s licence to operate. It also provides clear, pragmatic advice to leaders navigating a complex and fast‑changing external environment!

Key accountabilities

External affairs and government engagement

This is the core of the role. It sets direction for how Castrol engages with policymakers, regulators and external stakeholders across China, ensuring the business is well positioned and well understood. It includes building credible relationships with government and industry bodies, shaping Castrol’s position on relevant policy topics, and guiding how the business responds to regulatory and societal developments. It also means spotting risks early—whether political, regulatory or reputational—and working across teams to manage them in a way that is considered and coordinated. The role supports advocacy on priority issues and works with internal partners to ensure a consistent, responsible approach to stakeholder engagement and social performance.

Communications and reputation

Alongside external affairs, the role leads communications across China, ensuring the business is clear and consistent in how it presents itself. This covers setting direction for communications, advising senior leaders on messaging and visibility, and shaping how Castrol shows up externally through media, leadership positioning and corporate storytelling. It also includes aligning closely with marketing so that product and brand narratives connect with the wider business story.

Crisis and issues

The role leads communication during issues and crisis situations in China, working closely with global teams. It involves preparing leaders for high‑pressure scenarios and ensuring responses are timely, accurate and aligned. It also plays a central role in ongoing issues management, helping the business navigate complex or sensitive situations with sound judgement.

Internal engagement and leadership

The role ensures employees in China have a clear understanding of business priorities and direction, and that global messages are translated in a way that makes sense locally. It works closely with leaders to support engagement, particularly during periods of change or transformation, and helps connect strategy with day‑to‑day delivery.

Content, channels and insight

The role oversees how content is developed and shared across China, ensuring it is accurate, relevant and appropriate to the local context and channels. It also uses insight, feedback and market awareness to adjust approach over time, improving how the business engages both internally and externally.

Experience

This role suits someone who has built their career in China, working across external affairs, communications or a combination of both. They bring a strong understanding of how government, regulation and media operate, and are comfortable advising senior leaders in situations where reputation, policy and commercial priorities intersect. Experience of handling complex issues or crisis situations is important, as is the ability to operate across different stakeholder groups with sound judgement. Fluency in Mandarin and strong English are essential.

Desirable

Experience working with policymakers, regulators or industry bodies in China will be valuable, as will exposure to sectors such as energy, automotive, industrial or related areas. Familiarity with China’s digital and media landscape, and experience supporting licence‑to‑operate or social impact work, would also be useful.

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
• 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

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. 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.