At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs strategy and engage with government on tourism and hospitality.
- Company: Join IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy room discounts, recharge days, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for professional growth and team leadership.
- Why this job: Shape government policy and make a real impact in the tourism sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs and knowledge of UK government processes required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
We’re looking for someone to help shape the future of government policy on tourism and hospitality, making sure the sector’s voice is heard where those decisions get made. This is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract for a Director of Public Affairs based at IHG’s global HQ in Windsor, partnering with senior leaders, a small team, and raising the sector’s profile with government and industry.
What you’ll do
- Lead our Global (PLC) public affairs strategy and oversee the development and execution of our UK public affairs work, from owner engagement to MP correspondence.
- Support public affairs activity across our EMEA and Asia business units as required.
- Work with our Executive Committee, advising on political and policy matters and preparing them for high‑profile engagements.
- Represent IHG with governments, civil servants and industry.
- Manage relationships with trade and industry bodies representing our sector, including the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, World Travel & Tourism Council, European Hotel Forum and others.
- Produce sharp, EC‑ready briefings and speaking points ahead of government and trade body meetings, public platforms and other relevant engagements.
- Manage and develop a small team.
- Monitor the political and industry landscape, spotting risks and opportunities early and shaping the IHG response.
What you’ll bring
- Experience of working within a listed business and a matrix, global organisation.
- Significant public affairs experience, gained in‑house, in agency, in a UK government department or a mix of all three.
- A thorough working knowledge of UK government and parliament; you know how it really works and how decisions get made.
- Confidence and credibility with senior stakeholders, comfortable advising at ExCo level, and equally at home with a hotel General Manager.
- Experience leading a public affairs team with the instinct to bring people with you.
- Pace – this is a busy, high‑profile brief and you’ll move quickly without dropping quality.
Benefits
- Impressive room discounts across IHG properties.
- Recharge days and volunteering days throughout the year.
- Support for wellbeing through the myWellbeing framework.
Closing date for applications: Friday 5th June 2026.
IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other category protected by applicable laws. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance, welcoming diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Director of Public Affairs employer: InterContinental Hotels Group
IHG Hotels & Resorts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our global HQ in Windsor, where you can influence government policy in the tourism and hospitality sector. With impressive benefits like room discounts, recharge and volunteering days, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we foster a culture of trust and support, encouraging professional growth and collaboration within a diverse team.
Contact Detail:
InterContinental Hotels Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Public Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research IHG’s recent public affairs initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your talking points to show you understand the tourism and hospitality landscape and how to navigate it effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve led teams before, make sure to highlight that experience. Talk about how you’ve successfully managed projects or influenced stakeholders in the past. This role is all about collaboration, so let them see you as a team player who can also take charge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future of public affairs together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Public Affairs role. Highlight your experience in public affairs and how it aligns with IHG's goals. We want to see how you can shape the future of government policy in tourism and hospitality!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about your achievements! Share specific examples of how you've influenced public policy or managed stakeholder relationships. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this high-profile position.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it sharp and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like public affairs. Make sure your key messages stand out, as we’ll be looking for your ability to produce EC-ready briefings!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining the IHG team and ready to make an impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at InterContinental Hotels Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK government and parliament. Brush up on recent policies affecting tourism and hospitality, as well as IHG's role in the industry. This will help you speak confidently about how you can shape public affairs strategy.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in public affairs, especially any experience within a listed business or global organisation. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders and influenced policy decisions.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be managing a small team, demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Talk about how you bring people together and support their development. Highlight any past experiences where you’ve led a team through busy periods without compromising quality.
✨Prepare Sharp Briefings
Practice creating concise and impactful briefings or speaking points. You might be asked to present your ideas or strategies during the interview, so having a few well-prepared examples will show that you can deliver high-quality work under pressure.
