Head of Communications, UK & Southern Europe

Integral role responsible for developing and delivering communications strategy for UK and Southern Europe, aligning global and local goals.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Develop and deliver communications strategy for UK and Southern Europe markets (French market, plus EMEA) aligned with global communications strategy and local marketing strategies
• Work with local PR agency to develop Brand storytelling opportunities through brand activations, networking and proactive pitching
• Crisis Comms Management – work with EVP Communications to manage crisis communications from situations arising on ship and in-market to minimise negative impact on HX
• Manage HX press office – working closely with counterparts in other local markets to efficiently streamline all communications
• Work with Science, Expedition and Product teams to develop stories and PR content to highlight the USPs of HX product offering
• Work with UK Sales team to pitch articles and op-eds to travel trade publications that discuss the advantages of partnering with HX for travel agents, emphasising growth opportunities
• Host Media Trips to our destinations, to showcase the product to top tier media, covering both traditional travel/cruise titles and nationals, as well as lifestyle and luxury showcasing the suite offering
• Organise individual media trips for UK, France and EMEA journalists to showcase HX destinations and product offering ensuring commissions aligned with overall strategy
• On call – responsible for covering on call duty phone alongside other Communications team members (during European working hours, occasional evenings and weekends)
• Launch seasonal promotions through press releases and engaging content (B2B & B2C)
• Support IROPS (Irregular operations) when required to ensure minimal impact on the business through better communication to guests
• Support internal communications with Town Halls and general updates, LinkedIn and internal staff content
• Work with the in-house social media team and creative team to ensure a regular flow of PR and content is shared across HX social channels

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• BSc in communication/journalism, or other relevant fields
• 10 years’ experience in PR & Communications, within travel or tourism
• First-rate oral and written English skills
• Experience in strategic and operational PR, and crisis comms management
• Experience and understanding of dynamics of working in a global organization and collaborating with cross-functional teams across different regions
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proactive and results-oriented, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Flexibility to travel as required

Additional Knowledge & Experience:

• European Language would be an advantage

Key Personal Attributes:

• Proactive, attention to detail and organised​
• ​Inspiring team player with ability to influence others in a dynamic environment
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Flexible and adaptable with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced deadline-oriented environment
• Passion for travelling

Performance Indicators (metrics, KPIs, qualitative assessments):

Be a role model for HX’s Spirit values:

• Passionate Explorer
• Can-do Mindset
• Humble leadership
• Genuine Interactions
• Supportive Collaborative Team
• Deliver on personal and company objectives developed with the candidate