Director of People & Culture

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is the definition of an unrivalled Arabian fantasy. From a 1.3 km pristine private beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, the hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and perfect for a once-in-a lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement, with some of the city’s largest hotel conference centres. Emirates Palace offers award-winning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences with 394 luxurious rooms and suites along with award-winning culinary cuisines.

As Director of People & Culture, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and drive the property’s People strategy in line with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Partner with executive leadership to develop P&C strategies that support the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals
• Plan and implement People & Culture budget, workforce planning, and other business plans
• Ensure the colleagues’ career path and development needs are being prioritized and documented in accordance with the MO systems.
• Oversees all People & Culture practices, processes and systems, ensuring successful operation.
• Plan and formulate talent acquisition strategies, programs and guidelines which enables the Hotel to attract and retain the highest calibre of talent.
• Advise and coordinate with Division Heads on their manning requirements.
• Design and implement initiatives, career development opportunities, and other strategies to drive Emiratization
• Ensure that the Hotel’s total compensation and benefits package is competitive within the marketplace. 
• To keep abreast of the various developments and interpret implications of legislations which may affect the Hotel.
• Spearhead and implement measures and policies that will ensure positive work environment, high morale and effective communication.
• Promote good colleague relations through various programs and maintain a proper procedure for counselling and handling grievances.
• Assess, implement and utilize technology to improve the efficiency and quality of P&C programs and policies.
• Plan and execute the Hotel’s learning and development plan together with the L&D Director, to meet the business needs and strategic positioning of the Hotel, including identifying training needs, initiating and developing customized courses and career development plans that will increase colleagues’ effectiveness to provide services that will delight our guests. 
• Study and propose organizational development, re-engineer to optimize and increase organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure that all jobs are regularly reviewed to provide internal and external equity in terms of compensation.
• Provide guidance to Division Heads in all matters pertaining to Employment
• Liaise with MOHG Corporate/Regional HR Division to ensure all monthly reports are completed and ad hoc projects and standards are compiled and maintained.
• Ensure the working environment for all colleagues complies with local labour safety and health standards.
• Administer and manage the annual Colleague Engagement Survey program and process, ensuring the hotel meets or exceeds survey results each year though effective action planning.
• Oversee the Colleague Accommodation ensuring colleagues have an appropriate standard of living while meeting the group guidelines and UAE law requirements
• Understands and cascades all corporate and hotel policies
• Plan and execute the welcome and arrival of all new colleagues to Abu Dhabi.
• Interact and represent hotel with all stakeholders

Experience & Qualification

• A minimum 5 years’ experience in the same role within five-star luxury hotel/property
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree or HR certification is an advantage
• UAE experience, preferred

Key Competencies

• Humble, approachable, warm and sincere
• Confident and courageous in mediating/managing conflict
• Strategic Mindset
• Manages ambiguity
• Collaborative
• Ability to build effective teams and develops Talent
• Takes accountability
• Customer Focused
• Driven and Result-Oriented
• Innovative
• Decisive and data driven
• Communicate effectively and able build professional relationships with the executive committee, colleagues and all stakeholders
• Expert, well-versed in UAE Labour Laws