Full job description Job Family Group:
Research & Technology Group
Job Description:
Step into a role where your expertise will shape the future of engine oil technology on a global scale. As a recognised technical authority, you will influence product and technology strategy, guide high-impact decisions, and drive differentiated performance across a leading engine oils portfolio.

This role builds on an established advisor capability and focuses on enabling delivery through expert guidance, challenge, and technical direction. Working with Engine Oil Product Development and Claims teams, you will shape technology choices, inform product strategy, and support critical decision-making across a global network.

You will provide insight on OEM, industry, and emerging trends to influence investment decisions, technical risk management, and long-term capability. Through collaboration with internal teams and external partners, you will help deliver high-performance, differentiated products across the portfolio.

This role is based in Pangbourne/Reading, UK, with a hybrid working model (approximately three days per week in the office). Regular on-site presence is expected to support collaboration and relationship building.
Key Interfaces
You will work closely with a broad set of senior internal and external partners, including:
* Global Engine Oil Product Development and Technology teams

* Senior authorities across testing, analytical, digital, and stewardship

* Marketing and Product Strategy leadership

* OEMs, additive companies, and strategic technical partners

* Legal/IP and Product Compliance

Key Accountabilities
Technical Advisory & Strategy
* Act as a recognised authority in engine oil technology, with deep expertise across components, formulations, testing, and performance delivery

* Set technical direction, standards, and guidelines across multiple teams and geographies

* Advise on future technology direction aligned to OEM, industry, and regulatory trends

* Provide authoritative input into sophisticated, high-risk technical decisions

* Find opportunities for differentiation and long-term value creation, including supporting technical due diligence for major opportunities

* Assess emerging technologies and identify step-change innovation opportunities

* Lead the engine oil product development intellectual property strategy and technical positioning, supporting its implementation

Capability & Knowledge Leadership
* Advise technology leadership on strategy, capability development, and external trends

* Shape multi-year innovation priorities and investment cases, influencing the OD&I pipeline and long-term project direction

* Review and challenge formulation strategies, test programmes, and claims substantiation

* Contribute to defining next-generation product specifications and architectures

* Coach senior technologists and team leaders, building deep technical capability across the organisation

* Drive knowledge sharing, standards, and continuous improvement

* Act as a go-to authority for complex problem solving

SME Leadership & Networking
* Build and use a broad global network across Technology, Testing, Deployment, Stewardship, OEMs, suppliers, consultancies, and industry bodies

* Represent Castrol as a technical authority internally and externally

* Provide direction and coaching across the global technology network

* Build trusted relationships across product development, testing, deployment, stewardship, and OEM interfaces

* Operate as an individual, without team ownership, delivering impact through influence, expertise, and a global network of collaborators.

External Engagement & Representation
* Engage with OEMs, suppliers, and technical partners to address industry challenges

* Represent the organisation in industry forums, working groups, and collaborative initiatives

* Develop strategic relationships with external partners to ensure access to emerging technologies and innovations

Governance & Risk Support
* Support technical due diligence for major investments and innovation opportunities

* Advise on intellectual property strategy and technical risk management

* Ensure alignment with compliance, product stewardship, and quality standards

Required Experience & Capability
* Deep expertise in engine oil formulation, testing, or related lubricant technologies, with a track record of the successful delivery of new products

* While broad engine oil expertise is valued, deep technical specialism in a particular area (e.g. formulation, testing, passenger cars or commercial vehicles) is equally welcomed.

* Significant industry experience (typically 15+ years) within the automotive sector, particularly in engine oil product development

* Strong understanding of OEM requirements, industry specifications, and claims development

* Track record of solving technical problems and guiding strategic decisions

* Ability to influence without authority in a matrix environment

* Strong network in the lubricants / automotive ecosystem

* Advanced degree or equivalent experience, (Masters, PhD, or Honours) in a scientific or engineering subject area

* Fully conversant with industry guidelines and codes of practice

* Strong project management experience in an international environment, with a record of delivery

* Experience in passenger car engine oils is particularly valuable

Relevant Backgrounds May Include
We welcome applications from technical leaders with experience across engine oils, lubricants, base oils, additives, tribology, or related fluid technologies, as well as those with broader expertise in automotive, powertrain, fuels, or advanced materials development.
Candidates may bring experience from organisations spanning oil & gas, specialty chemicals, additive manufacturers, OEMs, or engineering consultancies, and will typically have operated in global, matrixed environments delivering complex product development and innovation programmes.
Individuals are likely to be recognised subject matter experts (SMEs), technical fellows, or senior specialists, with a track record of influencing technology