Cluster Director of Human Resources InterContinental

As Cluster Director of Human Resources, you will serve as a strategic partner to the Cluster General Manager and Executive Leadership Teams across both properties. You will drive a results-oriented, people-first culture, lead cross-functional HR initiatives, and ensure operational excellence in line with IHG standards and UAE labor legislation.

This role is instrumental in building a high-performing culture that attracts, retains, and develops exceptional talent while aligning HR strategy with our luxury guest experience and long-term commercial goals.

A little taste of your day-to-day:

Every day is different, but you ll mostly do:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Design and implement HR strategies to support current operations and future business growth across both hotel and residence portfolios.
• Lead organizational structure reviews and succession planning, ensuring optimal talent alignment across functions.
• Champion a high-performance, service-driven culture rooted in accountability, diversity, and well-being.
• Collaborate with regional and corporate HR teams to implement IHG's global frameworks and strategic talent initiatives.

Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding

• Oversee recruitment strategies to attract top talent, with a focus on building a talent pipeline for luxury service roles and leadership positions.
• Lead Employer Branding efforts in partnership with Marketing & Communications, positioning the cluster as an Employer of Choice in the UAE and regionally.
• Drive proactive workforce planning, nationalization strategies (e.g., Emiratization), and inclusive hiring practices.

Learning & Development

• Develop and monitor comprehensive L&D plans, including leadership development, service excellence, and mandatory compliance training.
• Ensure deployment and utilization of IHG s learning platforms such as IHG MyLearning and IHG Academy partnerships.
• Foster a learning culture that supports personal growth, cross-training, and career progression.

Performance, Engagement & Culture

• Lead the implementation and analysis of employee engagement surveys (e.g., IHG Colleague HeartBeat) and design action plans accordingly.
• Oversee performance management processes including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and annual appraisals.
• Promote an open-door culture and maintain transparent communication channels throughout the organization.
• Coordinate engagement events and colleague recognition programs such as IHG Celebrate Service Week and IHG Colleague of the Month.

Compliance & Colleague Relations

• Ensure full compliance with UAE labor laws, IHG policies, and internal audit requirements.
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution processes with fairness, confidentiality, and consistency.
• Liaise with government authorities and PROs on visa, immigration, and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and best practices.

HR Operations & Analytics

• Lead the HR team to deliver efficient service across payroll, onboarding, HRIS, and employee records.
• Develop and report on HR KPIs (turnover, cost-per-hire, engagement, training hours) to support data-driven decision-making.
• Manage departmental budgets and forecast HR-related expenditures in alignment with business targets

What we need from you:

• Minimum 8 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 5 years in a senior HR leadership capacity.
• Previous multi-property/cluster HR leadership experience within luxury hospitality or lifestyle brands.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams (400+ colleagues) across various departments.
• Deep understanding of UAE labor law, visa and immigration processes, and government platforms.
• Proven track record of driving employee engagement, leadership development, and cultural transformation.
• Experience in deploying IHG tools is highly preferred.
• Bachelor s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master s degree or HR certification (CIPD, SHRM) is a plus.
• High level of emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.

What you can expect from us:

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.