
Cluster Director of Human Resources - InterContinental Hotel & Residences Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.