Senior Manager Communications, SWA

Role Purpose

The Senior Manager Communications will partner with the India business to deliver strategic external communications, reputation protection, and crisis management that drive growth and business results.  Additionally, they will own brand PR in India by leading activations, managing the PR calendar in collaboration with regional leaders, enabling 360-degree communications plans.

Key Accountabilities

Corporate Communications & Reputation Building
•    Business partner for the MD, SWA, and wider India business to deliver communications that successfully build (and protect) IHG’s reputation across all audiences with the aim of driving growth and better business results.  
•    Develop and maintain strong relationships with key trade, business and financial media in India.  
•    Deliver external communications for IHG corporate brand, including through earned media coverage and events.  
•    Source and secure speaking/interview opportunities for key spokespeople to tell IHG’s story.  
•    Support the development & delivery of 360 Comms plans (corporate, consumer, internal & owner comms) for key brand programs and projects.  
•    Issues/Crisis Communications – Manage issues and crisis response in India.  
•    Provide governance, tools, best practices and counsel to the network of communications representatives in hotels.  

Brand PR 
•    Ownership of brand PR in India, ensuring close collaboration with internal stakeholders (commercial, MSS, hotels) as well as the regional and global brand PR network.  
•    Accountable for delivery of relevant PR activation in India for all brands in support of business priorities, including commercial campaigns and key NHOPs.
•    Responsible for managing the India PR calendar, in consultation with MD SWA and Senior Manager, Brand PR, IMEA, delivering always-on proactive & reactive news bureau.  
•    Establish and maintain Tier 1 relationships with consumer media outlets in India.  
•    Enable implementation of PR activity to deliver global brand and commercial objectives, working alongside team members across Global Corporate Affairs.  
•    Subject matter expert on ‘great PR’ for brands across India.  
•    Accountable for effective and timely reporting, performance data and analytics to measure PR ROI.  
•    Manage the effective utilisation of all available resources including budget.

Owner Communications  
•    Manage owner communications channels across India, working with other internal teams as appropriate. 
•    Guide and advise colleagues in India on sub-regional owner communication requirements.  

Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs  
•    Act as the local market representative for IHG’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives in India.  
•    Identify and develop partnerships that support IHG’s Responsible Business Strategy.  
•    Develop and embed a responsible business narrative for India.  
•    Identify opportunities for IHG to engage in public affairs activity and drive industry change.  
 

Required Education, Experience, Technical Skills and Knowledge:

Education 
•    Educated to degree level or equivalent.
 

Experience 
•    At least 7 years’ experience in external/internal communications. 
•    Experience in both corporate and consumer outreach. 
•    Experience of managing agencies and budgets.
•    Experience of working within a complex business with a range of stakeholders with different needs and interfacing with senior people.
•    Experience of the media landscape in MEA  
•    Experience working with international brands would be an advantage

Requirements and Knowledge
•    Is confident, credible and compelling when working with senior stakeholders. 
•    Able to engage and inspire with energy and belief in communications.
•    Ability to stay calm in a crisis.
•    Collaborative approach and partnership mind set - able to build strong relationships and be known as a trusted advisor 
•    A can-do attitude, with a track record of delivering complex programmes of work. Demonstrates an ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks in a demanding, fast-paced work environment. 
•    Proven ability to work effectively across a matrix / virtual team.
•    Ability to manage budgets. 
•    Clear and confident written and oral communication skills.