Cluster Director of People & Culture

The Cluster Director of People & Culture is responsible for developing and implementing the People & Culture strategy across Novotel & Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand standards and corporate guidelines.

As a strategic business partner to the Cluster General Manager and Hotel Leadership Teams, the role drives talent development, Heartist engagement, organizational effectiveness and operational excellence while fostering a high-performance, inclusive and people-centric culture.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the cluster P&C strategy, partnering with business leaders to align people priorities with operational and financial objectives.

• Talent Acquisition: Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, succession pipelines and internal mobility to ensure the availability of quality talent.

• Talent Development: Drive performance management, leadership development, learning initiatives, career progression and succession planning.

• Heartist Experience: Champion team member experience, engagement, recognition, wellbeing, Heartist facilities, diversity and organizational culture.

• Heartist Relations & Compliance: Ensure effective team relations management, regulatory compliance, HR governance and adherence to company policies and procedures.

• Compensation & Benefits: Oversee payroll, compensation, benefits, manpower budgeting and personnel cost management in partnership with Finance.

• P&C Operations: Ensure efficient delivery of P&C services, including visa administration, colleague accommodation, transportation, uniforms, systems and audits.

• People Leadership: Lead, coach and develop the P&C team, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management or a related field.
• Professional HR qualification (CIPD, SHRM or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR / P&C experience within the hospitality industry in the UAE.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership or Director-level position.
• Previous multi-property or cluster hotel experience within an international hotel group is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and employment regulations.
• Proven experience in talent management, succession planning and organisational development.
• Sound knowledge of employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll and HR governance.
• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development capabilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and adaptability.
• Integrity, discretion and sound decision-making.
• Passion for hospitality, people development and continuous improvement.