Advisor, Engine Oil Formulations

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 strategy, shaping product performance, and engaging with OEMs and external partners across the automotive and industrial ecosystem.

Additional Information

Castrol is entering an exciting new phase in its history as the business prepares to transition to new majority ownership. This presents a unique opportunity to join a globally recognised brand at a pivotal moment, helping to shape its future direction, culture and long-term success. 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.

We’re committed to supporting leaders who want to make an impact. You’ll have the chance to shape and influence outcomes across businesses. 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, share options, and a range of flexible benefits designed to meet your needs. We recognise that people have multifaceted lives, and we strive to offer a career experience that reflects that.

Travel Requirement:

Some travel may be required with this role, this is negotiable

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Legal Disclaimer:

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.

Legal Disclaimer:

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. job description

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.