Director, People & Culture

Company Description

Fairmont The Palm is a luxury, world-class resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai. The hotel features 391 guest rooms and suites with dedicated Fairmont Gold rooms and lounge. A total of 11 food and beverage outlets on property offer international dining options including Michelin Guide recommended 2022 and 2023 Little Miss India, Frevo - Brazilian Churrasco experience, Seagrill Bistro, Ba Restaurant and Lounge, Blowfish, Flow Kitchen, The Cigar Room, Vuvuzela and others. Fairmont The Palm also features an expansive pool and beach area with a health club, Serenity Spa Dubai - The Art Of Well Being and the Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club.

Job Description

• Develop and implement People & Culture (P&C) strategies that support the hotel’s business objectives, operational priorities, and financial performance.

• Partner with the General Manager and executive leadership team to integrate people priorities into business planning and decision-making.

• Lead the preparation and management of the annual P&C budget and workforce plan, aligning staffing levels and people costs with business forecasts and operational requirements.

• Partner with Finance and department leaders to monitor payroll, benefits, recruitment, learning and development, and other people-related expenditure, ensuring effective cost control and budget accountability.

• Analyse monthly people costs against budget and forecast, explain variances, and recommend corrective actions that support operational efficiency and service standards.

• Oversee manning forecasts, headcount controls, and workforce productivity, adapting staffing plans to occupancy, seasonality, and business demand.

• Lead employee relations, addressing concerns and resolving conflicts fairly while promoting a positive workplace culture.

• Partner with leaders to investigate and document employee relations matters promptly and objectively, ensuring appropriate corrective action in accordance with company policies and applicable UAE labour legislation.

• Provide guidance and coaching to Heartists and leaders on disciplinary matters, grievance resolution, and workplace conduct.

• Promote transparent communication and open dialogue between Heartists and management.

• Champion a diverse and inclusive workplace, embedding fairness and equity into people practices across the hotel.

• Develop, review, and implement P&C policies and procedures to ensure consistency, sound governance, and legal compliance across departments.

• Monitor changes in employment legislation and advise the General Manager and leaders on their implications, recommending policy updates and actions to mitigate risk.

• Lead performance management processes, including objective setting, performance reviews, development planning, and succession planning.

• Monitor market trends and conduct compensation and benefits benchmarking to inform attraction and retention strategies.

• Develop and implement learning and development strategies that address capability gaps, strengthen leadership, and support service excellence.

• Integrate appropriate learning technologies and methodologies to improve accessibility, engagement, and training outcomes.
  Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in People & Culture role, with experience in a leadership/management capacity.

• Previous experience within hospitality.

• Strong knowledge of various computer programs is a must. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint) is required.

• Degree or diploma in a related field is an asset, as well as CPHR designation or working towards this designation.

• Proven communication and interpersonal skills (both written & verbal) with the ability to develop excellent relationships across the organizations while maintaining confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative while maintaining attention to detail in a fast paced environment.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills

• Highly responsible & reliable

• Ability to work cohesively as part