Senior Director & Senior Counsel Operations EMEA
Hilton is one of the largest and fastest growing hospitality companies in the world. With more than 9,000 properties and over 1.1 million rooms in 126 countries, it operates 25 world‑class brands, including the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Hilton was recently named the World’s Best Workplace by Great Places to Work and Fortune Magazine, and its Hilton Honors loyalty program has 170 million members.
What will I be doing?
I will serve as a senior counsel in the Operations group of the Global Legal team, providing strategic legal support to business partners, regional offices, and hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The primary geographic focus will be the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Türkiye. I will manage a wide range of commercial contracts for procurement, food & beverage, sales, and engineering operations. I will advise corporate functions such as Government Affairs, Corporate Communications, Corporate Supply Management, Sales, Finance, Human Resources, and Risk Management, as well as the Hilton UK Foundation, a registered charity.
My role is part of the Operations Legal team reporting to the Vice President & Senior Counsel, International Franchising, and Operations & Development EMEA. I will represent Legal in senior leadership meetings with hotel operations regional leaders.
Responsibilities
* Provide timely legal advice consistent with company policies.
* Draft and negotiate a wide suite of commercial contracts, including agreements for hotels, supply management, sales, finance, and engineering operations.
* Support HR with corporate and hotel‑level employee matters, compensation, and benefits initiatives.
* Assist with hotel‑level leases, licences, and concession agreements.
* Collaborate with the Risk and Safety & Security team on crisis management matters.
* Work with the F&B team on NDAs, franchise, license, third‑party, and outsourcing agreements for chefs, restaurants, and consultancy services.
* Advise managed hotels and business partners on contentious and non‑contentious matters, preparing documentation for disputes, litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
* Provide assistance to business functions such as Government Affairs, Corporate Communications, Finance, HR, Brands, and Development.
* Attend business partner meetings and serve as the senior legal representative.
* Build and maintain constructive relationships within the Legal Department, between internal business partners, and with external counsel.
* Offer strategic support in resolving contractual disputes, protecting the company, and finding commercial solutions.
* Ensure the legal department’s EMEA operations stay within budgetary parameters, engaging external counsel in line with engagement policies and budgets.
* Coordinate global initiatives and priorities with legal colleagues worldwide.
* Design and deliver training programs for business partners and develop self‑service solutions for recurring matters.
* Assist in continuous improvement of Hilton Legal’s standard systems and procedures.
* Manage know‑how development and management for the Operations group.
* Leverage effective partnerships with external counsel, internal clients, and other corporate departments.
Direct Reports
I will manage a paralegal based in Watford.
How You Will Collaborate With Others
* Work closely with the Operations team in Legal, including global colleagues.
* Collaborate with the legal development, employment, compliance, privacy, marketing, commercial services, anti‑competition, dispute resolution, and intellectual property teams.
* Engage with business partners leading hotel operations and cross‑functional business functions critical to Hilton’s wider business.
Qualifications
* Degree from a common law jurisdiction and relevant legal qualification to practice as a qualified lawyer.
* Post‑qualification experience in a law firm and/or in‑house senior counsel role.
* Strong commercial contracts experience, including drafting, negotiating, and managing complex agreements.
* Experience with hotel sector legal work, hotel management, and franchise agreements.
* Travel up to 10% of the time.
* Exposure to legal frameworks in multiple jurisdictions.
* Experience with international disputes, arbitration, mediation, or court processes.
* Understanding of financial statements and corporate structures.
* Solid knowledge of data protection and intellectual property issues.
* Experience with charity law is a plus.
What it’s Like to Work for Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We embrace a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our vision: “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” Hilton offers opportunities for professional growth, a supportive workplace, and the chance to work with a diverse and talented team.
Work Location
Regional Headquarters – Europe
Schedule
Full‑time – Day job
Job Level
Director – Legal
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