Director of Marketing & Communications

Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:

As the Director of Marketing and Communications for Hilton Colombo, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards: 

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications strategies and activation plans for Hilton Colombo, ensuring alignment with Hilton's regional and global objectives, guided by in-depth market knowledge of Sri Lanka and other key and emerging GOB markets.
• Lead the planning and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, traditional media, and public relations to enhance brand equity and commercial outcomes.
• Ensure consistency in brand messaging, voice, and visual identity across all guest and customer-facing touchpoints.

Commercial and Brand Growth

• Collaborate with commercial and operations teams to drive revenue across rooms, F&B, MICE, Weddings & Social events, wellness, and ancillary services.
• Identify and activate marketing campaigns, partnerships, and promotions that support business goals and stimulate incremental demand.
• Monitor campaign effectiveness and marketing ROl, continuously refining strategies to enhance performance.

Content Management & Channel Optimization

• Oversee the creation, management, and distribution of high-quality content across all B2C channels including the hotel website, social media, email, and Hilton Honors platforms. 
• Manage presence and content accuracy across Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and other third-party platforms.
• Ensure timely updates of marketing & Sales collateral, room descriptions, imagery, and offers across all channels.
• Lead the planning and execution of professional photo and videography projects for all properties, maintaining a consistent and premium visual brand representation.

Digital and Social Media Marketing

• Develop and execute digital strategies including SEO/SEM, paid media, CRM campaigns, and performance analytics.
• Lead content strategy and editorial calendar for social media platforms and external agencies.
• Manage hotel F&B e-commerce platform in compliance with Hilton's IT standards and guidelines.

Public Relations and Media Engagement

• Serve as the media spokesperson for Hilton Colombo when required and build strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Manage all aspects of public relations, including press releases, crisis communication, media events, and thought leadership initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Represent Marketing and Communications in business focus meetings, providing strategic insights and aligning marketing efforts with broader commercial objectives.
• Partner with the General Manager, Heads of Departments, and Hilton's regional marketing support teams to share best practices and ensure cohesive execution of initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing marketing team through strategic direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that supports professional growth and operational excellence.
• Budget and Vendor Management
• Prepare and manage the marketing budget, ensuring effective allocation and return on investment.
• Manage relationships and negotiate contracts with external agencies, creative vendors, and media partners to maximize value and quality.

Qualifications

At Hilton, our core values define what it takes to succeed here and guide the qualities we look for in every team member:

A passion for spreading the light and warmth of Hospitality. Acting with Integrity and always doing the right thing. Inspiring others through Leadership. A belief that Teamwork drives the best outcomes. A sense of Ownership and accountability. And a focus on the Now, bringing urgency and discipline to every moment, knowing it can make a lasting impact.

In addition, this role requires the following minimum qualifications:

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field; MBA preferred
• Minimum 5-8 years of marketing experience, preferably in hospitality, with a minimum of 2 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven expertise in digital marketing (SEO, SEM, email, social media)
• Strong content creation and brand management skills
• Experience in campaign planning, execution, and performance analysis
• Proficiency in marketing tools and hotel systems (e.g., Salesforce, OnQ)
• Excellent communication, project management, and analytical skills