Director of People & Culture

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on, and inspiring leader to join Fairmont La Hacienda as Director of People & Culture. This role is key in shaping the Heartist experience, driving a high-performance culture, and aligning people strategies with business objectives in a luxury hospitality environment.

The Director of People & Culture will act as a trusted partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee, leading all aspects of the People & Culture function while ensuring compliance with Spanish labor legislation and Fairmont standards.
 

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

• Lead the development and execution of the People & Culture strategy aligned with hotel objectives and Accor/Fairmont guidelines
• Act as a key member of the Executive Committee, providing strategic HR guidance and influencing business decisions
• Drive organizational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives, particularly in a dynamic operational environment
• Foster a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement

People & Culture Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the People & Culture department, ensuring a professional, confidential, and Heartist-centric service
• Ensure full compliance with Spanish labor law, collective agreements, and Accor/Fairmont policies
• Lead employee relations, including disciplinary processes, investigations, and conflict resolution
• Maintain strong relationships with employee representatives (Comité de Empresa) and external stakeholders

Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding

• Lead recruitment strategy and execution to attract, hire, and retain top talent in line with approved manning and budget
• Promote employer branding initiatives aligned with Fairmont’s luxury positioning
• Ensure transparent, fair, and inclusive recruitment and selection processes

Learning, Development & Talent Management

• Drive talent development strategies, including succession planning and career development
• Ensure the implementation of onboarding, training programs, and leadership development initiatives
• Support leaders in performance management processes, goal setting, and development planning
• Identify and develop high-potential talent within the organization

Employee Engagement, Culture & Experience

• Champion the Heartist culture and Fairmont values across all levels of the organization
• Develop and implement engagement, recognition, and wellbeing initiatives
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment
• Ensure effective internal communication strategies

Compensation, Benefits & HR Analytics

• Oversee payroll, compensation, and benefits, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness
• Manage labor costs in line with budget and business needs
• Lead HR reporting, analytics, and KPIs (turnover, engagement, absenteeism, headcount) to support decision-making
• Participate in budget preparation, forecasting, and cost control for the department

HR Systems, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure accuracy and optimization of HRIS systems (e.g., Factorial or similar)
• Oversee audits, reporting, and compliance with corporate and legal requirements
• Maintain proper documentation and HR administration standards

Culture, Brand & Responsible Hospitality

• Embed Fairmont service culture and luxury standards into the employee experience
• Promote responsible and sustainable practices within the workplace
• Support corporate initiatives and brand programs, ensuring local implementation

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience in the hospitality industry, preferably within luxury hotel environments
• Strong knowledge of Spanish labor law, employee relations, and collective agreements
• Experience working with Works Councils (Comité de Empresa) is highly desirable
• Degree in Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and HR analytics
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Factorial or similar)
• Fluency in Spanish and English (both written and spoken)

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to influence and coach senior leaders
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Change management and adaptability
• High level of integrity and confidentiality
• Passion for people, culture, and luxury hospitality

Additional Requirements

• European citizenship or valid work permit for Spain

Additional Information

What is in it for you:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits
• Discounted hotel rooms and food and beverage rates to employees at our sister properties around the globe.
• We provide learning programs through our Academies to promote growth and development so that you can perform at your full potential.
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!