Responsibilities
Develop and Execute UK Corporate Communications Strategy: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the UK, ensuring alignment with Hilton's key strategic priorities and resonating with top-tier media to showcase the company's growth, performance, culture, and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Drive media coverage and relationships: Build and maintain relationships with business media, ensuring quality media coverage in national and international business outlets.
Creative Campaign Oversight: Drive creative initiatives that promote Hilton's unique culture, empowering the UK&I team and corporate PR agency to deliver strong media traction for stories that enhance Hilton’s reputation as a responsible brand and great place to work.
Executive Communications: Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, advise on key updates and initiatives, and help identify media opportunities to amplify external initiatives aligned with Hilton’s priorities. Provide briefing materials, counsel on media engagement, and support internal communications for awareness and engagement.
Issues Management: Lead proactive identification and management of potential reputational issues, advising senior leadership and coaching junior staff on crisis communication plans across the managed and franchised hotel estate.
PR Agency Management: Oversee the UK corporate PR agency, ensuring KPIs are met and high‑quality output drives strong coverage while empowering team members to collaborate with the agency.
Government Affairs: Work with Hilton’s Government Affairs team, using media contacts and expertise to support Hilton’s aims and maintain its leading voice in UK media.
EMEA‑wide Travel With Purpose Communications Strategy: Collaborate with sub‑regional and global colleagues to tell a consistent, compelling sustainability story across EMEA, positioning Hilton as a driving force for sustainable hospitality and showcasing progress toward 2030 goals.
Team Leadership and Coaching: Mentor and coach team members to foster collaboration and high performance.
Budgetary Responsibility: Accurately forecast activity and deliver campaigns on‑budget.
Direct Reports
The postholder will have two direct reports.
Qualifications
Experienced, strategic, and highly proactive communications director.
Significant experience in corporate communications, preferably within hospitality or a related industry.
Strong record of managing reputational issues and providing strategic media counsel to support broader company objectives.
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate complex subject matters and align to core communications objectives.
Strong business and news media relationships, with an excellent understanding of the UK media landscape; international market experience is highly beneficial.
Ability to think strategically and operate effectively in a matrix organisation, communicating updates effectively with stakeholders.
Strong instinct and creative approach to translating business messages and objectives into high‑impact campaigns and activities that yield high‑quality coverage.
Ability to manage complex reputational issues, providing timely counsel to internal stakeholders and managing media responses when necessary.
Exceptional people‑management skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a team.
Solid understanding of the business and economic landscape in the UK and broader EMEA region.
Additional Requirements: Ability to travel overseas.
Location: Hilton's EMEA headquarters in Watford.
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