Director, People & Culture

About the role

The Director, People & Culture will shape and execute HR strategies that align with the hotel’s business goals, financial performance and operational priorities. Reporting to the General Manager, this senior leader will partner with executive teams to embed people priorities into all aspects of planning and decision‑making.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement People & Culture strategies supporting business objectives and financial targets.
• Lead annual P&C budgeting, workforce planning and cost control, analysing variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Oversee manning forecasts, headcount controls and productivity adjustments based on occupancy, seasonality and demand.
• Manage employee relations, grievance handling and disciplinary processes in line with UAE labour law.
• Champion diversity, inclusion and equitable practices across the hotel.
• Maintain and update HR policies, ensuring legal compliance and governance.
• Drive performance management, succession planning and compensation benchmarking.
• Design and deliver learning and development programmes to close capability gaps and enhance service excellence.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 years of experience in a People & Culture role, with leadership responsibility.
• Previous hospitality experience.
• Degree or diploma in a related field; CPHR designation or working towards it is an asset.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and confidentiality skills.
• Highly responsible, reliable and detail‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint).