Director of People & Culture

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of People & Culture to join our Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive human resources strategies that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture. You will partner with executive leadership to align people initiatives with business objectives while championing employee engagement, talent development, and organizational excellence.

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and standards aligned with local Iraqi labor laws, industry best practices, and organizational values
• Lead talent acquisition and recruitment initiatives, including interviewing, assessing, and evaluating prospective employees at all organizational levels
• Design and implement competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent while ensuring market competitiveness
• Oversee payroll administration, benefits management, legal compliance, and employment law adherence across the organization
• Conduct performance management reviews and provide coaching to address performance issues with professionalism and empathy
• Develop and execute training and development programs that build employee capabilities and support career progression
• Create and maintain succession plans for middle and senior management positions in collaboration with department heads and executive leadership
• Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture through employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and social and recreational activities
• Manage employee relations, including grievance resolution, disciplinary procedures, and labor organization communications with transparency and fairness
• Ensure compliance with local health, safety, and occupational regulations specific to Baghdad and Iraq
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and monthly reporting on talent and culture metrics
• Participate in management meetings to review progress toward business plan goals and contribute to strategic planning
• Act as an internal consultant, providing guidance on HR matters and supporting managers in resolving workplace challenges
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive HR matters and employee information
• Lead the HR team through recruitment, selection, performance management, and continuous professional development

• Minimum 5 years of management experience in Human Resources or related organizational development roles
• Proven expertise in HR administration, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and performance management
• Strong knowledge of Iraqi labor laws, occupational safety and health legislation, and local employment practices
• Excellent communication, listening, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive, inclusive working environment
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset with ability to interpret HR metrics and trends
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams
• Self-driven, resilient, and adaptable to changing business needs
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to maintain complete professionalism and confidentiality in all HR matters
• Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours when required

**Domain Expertise:**

• Strategic HR planning and organizational development
• Talent acquisition and recruitment
• Compensation and benefits administration
• Performance management and employee development
• Succession planning and leadership development
• Employee engagement and culture building
• Change management
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
• Budget management and financial acumen
• Stakeholder management at executive level
• Grievance and disciplinary management