<p>The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a <strong>senior, newly established role of Director of Human Resources</strong>. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary HR leader to define the <strong>strategic direction of the hotels people function</strong> and shape a high-performance culture across the organization.</p><p>Our purpose is simple yet powerful: <strong>to create and inspire memorable experiences.</strong><br>Our vision: <strong>to become Cape Towns most loved hotel.</strong><br>Our values Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, Passion, and Integrity guide everything we do. We seek leaders who not only embody these values but also drive them throughout the hotel.</p><h3><strong>About the Role</strong></h3><p>The <strong>Director of Human Resources</strong> will be the <strong>senior HR leader</strong> in the hotel, responsible for creating and executing <strong>organization-wide HR strategy</strong>. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will oversee an <strong>HR team, including an HR Manager</strong>, and ensure all people initiatives are aligned with the hotels strategic goals.</p><p>This role combines <strong>high-level strategic leadership</strong> with deep operational insight into hotel HR. You will partner with the executive team to drive initiatives that enhance <strong>employee engagement, talent development, and organizational performance</strong>, positioning The President Hotel as a <strong>top employer in luxury hospitality</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Qualifications & Criteria</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>10+ years senior HR leadership experience</strong>, with at least <strong>5 years in a large hotel or luxury hospitality environment</strong> (essential).</p><blockquote><p>Hotel HR experience is critical as this role requires understanding the <strong>unique demands of a 24/7 luxury operation, multiple departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Banqueting), shift-based teams, and high seasonal fluctuations</strong>. Success depends on aligning people strategy with <strong>guest experience, operational performance, and service excellence</strong>.</p></blockquote></li><li><p>Proven success in <strong>developing and executing HR strategy</strong> that drives organizational growth and operational effectiveness.</p></li><li><p>Strong knowledge of <strong>labour law, HR compliance, and hospitality-specific practices</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Demonstrated experience in <strong>building high-performing HR teams</strong> and coaching HR leaders (e.g., HR Managers).</p></li><li><p>Expertise in <strong>organizational design, succession planning, leadership development, and change management</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Strong <strong>strategic thinking, executive presence, and stakeholder management</strong> skills.</p></li><li><p>Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.</p></li><li><p>Must hold a valid South African ID.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Define and lead the <strong>hotels overarching HR strategy</strong>, aligning people initiatives with business objectives.</p></li><li><p>Oversee the <strong>HR function</strong>, including HR Manager and HR team, ensuring operational delivery and strategic alignment.</p></li><li><p>Drive initiatives around <strong>talent acquisition, leadership development, succession planning, and workforce planning</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Champion a <strong>high-performance culture</strong>, embedding the hotels PVV (Purpose, Vision & Values) at all levels.</p></li><li><p>Lead <strong>employee engagement, retention, and recognition programs</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Ensure compliance with <strong>labour legislation, industry standards, and best practices</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Provide <strong>strategic guidance to executive leadership</strong> on workforce planning, performance, and employee relations.</p></li><li><p>Use <strong>HR analytics and reporting</strong> to inform decision-making and measure the impact of HR initiatives.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Key Competencies</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Executive HR Leadership Influence and shape strategy at the senior management level.</p></li><li><p>Organizational Development Build capability and succession pipelines across departments.</p></li><li><p>Talent Strategy Attract, retain, and develop top hospitality talent.</p></li><li><p>Culture & Engagement Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and inclusion.</p></li><li><p>Use HR Analytics & Insights Leverage data to drive strategic decisions.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Package on Offer</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Competitive gross package with benefits</strong>, commensurate with experience.</p></li><li><p>Medical aid contribution.</p></li><li><p>Pension/provident fund contribution.</p></li><li><p>Performance-based incentives.</p></li></ul><p>This is a <strong>rare opportunity</strong> to step into a <strong>senior strategic HR leadership role</strong> in one of Cape Towns most iconic hotels. If you are a <strong>proven hotel HR executive</strong>, ready to lead the organizations people strategy and mentor the HR team, we want to hear from you.</p>