Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, strategic and highly proactive communications director to join our Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Communications Team, leading the UK, Ireland and Israel (UK&II) corporate communications function, including issues and crisis management. The role also oversees Hiltons communications strategy for driving responsible travel across the EMEA region.
The role will be based at Hiltons EMEA headquarters in Watford.
Hiltons EMEA Communications Team forms part of a dynamic and global team of communicators who play an integral role in the companys storytelling - with a strong focus on growth, culture and Hiltons Travel with Purpose strategy.
What will I be doing?

• Develop and Execute UK Corporate Communications Strategy: You will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the UK, ensuring alignment with Hilton's key strategic priorities, encompassing activity that resonates with top-tier media to showcase the companys growth and performance, standout culture and focus on sustainability and social responsibility. You will partner closely with other sub-regional leads to ensure alignment and drive the impact of our corporate communications activity across EMEA.

• Drive media coverage and relationships: Your media relationships, especially business media, and news sense will ensure we drive quality media coverage in national and international business media.

• Creative Campaign Oversight: As part of this strategy, you will drive creative initiatives that promote Hilton's unique culture. You will be responsible for empowering the UK&I team and corporate PR agency to deliver strong media traction for stories that drive our reputation as a responsible brand and a great place to work for all.

• Executive Communications: You will build and maintain strong relationships with multiple senior stakeholders, requiring effective and efficient communication of key updates & initiatives, as well as acting as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on pertinent issues impacting Hiltons business. You will also work with them to identify top tier media opportunities to amplify externally initiatives, activity and achievements which align with Hiltons key strategic priorities. You will be responsible for providing clear briefing materials for speaking opportunities and media engagement, instilling confidence and ensuring strong delivery of key messages. You will provide counsel on the delivery of important internal communications and ensuring excellent awareness and engagement across all relevant functions.

• Issues Management: You will take the lead on proactively identifying and managing potential reputational issues, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership and coaching junior team members to ensure effective crisis communication plans are in place across our managed and franchised estate.

• PR Agency Management: You will oversee our UK corporate PR agency, ensuring they outperform their KPIs to deliver high-quality output and drive strong coverage results in support of our communications objectives. You will empower members of the team to partner with the agency to maximise results throughout the year.

• EMEA-wide Travel With Purpose Communications Strategy: Travel with Purpose is Hiltons strategy for driving responsible travel. Working closely with sub-regional and global communications colleagues you will be responsible for ensuring we tell a consistent and compelling sustainability story across the EMEA region, in line with our Travel with Purpose strategy and goals. You will find creative ways to showcase progress towards our 2030 goals, positioning Hilton as a galvanising force in sustainable hospitality. This will also include partnering with our regional Food and Drink team, based in Dubai, to help elevate our sustainability commitments in this critical part of the business.

• Team Leadership and Coaching: As a mentor and coach team members, you will ensure we foster a collaborative working environment and empower our high performing team to push to new levels.

• With budgetary responsibility, you will ensure activity is accurately forecasted and campaigns are delivered on-budget.

Direct Reports:

• The postholder will have two direct reports

What are we looking for?

• Significant experience in corporate communications, preferably within hospitality or a related industry.

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate complex subject matters, ensure alignment to core communications objectives and build strong relationships.

• Strong business and news media relationships essential and an excellent understanding of the UK media landscape. Additional international market experience highly beneficial.

• Ability to think strategically, operate effectively in a matrix organisation and communicate updates effectively with stakeholders essential.

• Strong instinct and creative approach to translating business messages and objectives into high impact campaigns and activity that result in high-quality coverage, reaching consumers and the business community to drive brand reputation.

• Ability to manage complex reputational issues, providing timely counsel to internal stakeholders and managing media responses where necessary.

• Exceptional people management skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a team.

• A solid understanding of the business and economic landscape in the UK and broader EMEA region.

Required Qualifications

• Additional Requirements: Ability to travel overseas

What will it be like to work for Hilton?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its . Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
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