Senior VIP & Culture Manager

Role overview

Belmond is aiming to be recognised as the most desirable luxury travel brand in the world. As part of the Creative Team, this position helps shape how the brand shows up in culture while also delivering memorable travel experiences. The role focuses on finding, engaging and partnering with celebrities and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to raise awareness of Belmond’s products and brand, and to produce strong storytelling across film, editorial and other formats.

You will also support Belmond’s broader cultural presence by working with the KOL and cultural communications agency to extend the reach of the brand’s stories and activities. This is a relationship-driven role that requires excellent stakeholder management, especially when working with agents, managers and multiple internal teams.

Key responsibilities

The role covers cultural strategy, KOL and influencer management, content development, events, cross-functional planning, reporting and budget oversight.

• Build a strong understanding of cultural shifts, emerging talent and storytelling opportunities so Belmond stays relevant in luxury travel and lifestyle conversations.
• Identify, evaluate and engage a wide mix of KOLs, tastemakers and celebrities for collaborations such as events, hosting, film work and wider brand storytelling.
• Partner with KOLs to create genuine, engaging content that reflects Belmond’s travel philosophy and showcases its properties in a compelling way.
• Develop and deliver Belmond-led storytelling initiatives.
• Maintain productive long-term relationships with KOLs, celebrities, influencers, agents and managers to ensure smooth collaboration.
• Work with the cultural communications PR agency to amplify Belmond’s cultural activities and content.
• Support global agency management across markets including the UK, USA, France, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Spain and Brazil.
• Create and roll out the global KOL strategy in line with the wider brand and product direction.
• Plan KOL activations and hosting opportunities with the Global Communications team in line with the annual communications calendar.
• Grow the community by engaging and managing influencers strategically.
• Work with PR, Social Media and Brand teams to maximise advocacy across brand and property initiatives.
• Plan and run global influencer trips that support launches and visibility for key initiatives.
• Manage talent and influencer agencies where needed, including contracts and delivery expectations.
• Conceptualise and deliver global events that support campaigns, generate media attention and strengthen advocacy.
• Support events for new property launches and reopenings in collaboration with divisional and property teams.
• Contribute to B2B and B2C event planning, including programming recommendations.
• Oversee event suppliers, guest lists, logistics, videography and on-site delivery.
• Travel when needed for event delivery and new product launches.
• Support the Global Brand & Content Director in creating and implementing the annual communications calendar, including KOL, event and cultural plans.
• Work closely with the Global Social Media team, divisional and property teams, and the Legal team to align plans, support launches and manage agreements.
• Review performance through monthly and quarterly reporting on KOL activity, influencer engagement and event results.
• Use data and cultural insight to recommend strategic adjustments to advocacy plans.
• Manage the annual budget for KOL, influencer and event activity.
• Directly manage the VIP & Culture Executive.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in culture-led communications and KOL management, along with strong commercial judgement and exceptional coordination skills.

• At least 8 years of experience in a similar role within luxury travel, hospitality, fashion, lifestyle or a creative agency, with a strong emphasis on KOL/influencer management and cultural communications.
• Clear ability to read cultural trends and identify stories, personalities and opportunities that fit the brand.
• Proven success in building relationships with senior public figures, agents and managers.
• Experience leading creative content projects, especially film production and editorial storytelling.
• Strong strategic planning skills, including contribution to global communication calendars.
• Confident event management capability from concept through to execution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex ideas and build alignment across teams.
• Highly organised approach with a proactive mindset and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle several projects at once in a fast-moving environment.
• Working knowledge of legal best practices around KOL and influencer contracts and agreements.
• Genuine interest in luxury, travel and the Belmond brand ethos.
• Comfortable managing budgets and preparing reports.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required.

Benefits

Belmond highlights a workplace culture built on kindness, active listening and authentic connections with colleagues and guests. The company aims to provide an environment where employees can grow personally and professionally, with ongoing development and the chance to learn from highly talented people in the industry.

About Belmond

Belmond began with a vision to connect discerning travellers to exceptional places, journeys and experiences. Its portfolio includes hotels, trains, river cruises and safari lodges, and the brand is built around a slower, more immersive style of luxury travel that encourages guests to engage with local culture, nature and people.

With more than 45 years of history since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 43 properties across 24 countries and territories. Its portfolio includes landmarks such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Maroma, Villa San Michele, Copacabana Palace and Hotel das Cataratas. The brand works with communities, local talent, chefs, designers and artists to preserve heritage while creating a lasting future legacy. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).