A premier, iconic hotel in Cape Town is entering a bold new era of transformation and service elevation. As part of this exciting growth journey, a newly established executive leadership position has been created: Director of Human Resources . This role is designed for a seasoned Hotel Human Resources Director OR an exceptional Hotel HR Manager who has already operated at senior level and is ready to step confidently into a Director role. HOTEL EXPERIENCE NOT NEGOTIABLE. If you thrive in environments where people strategy directly influences service excellence, culture, and guest experience, this is your moment. Why This Role Stands Out This is not a routine HR role. It is a career-defining opportunity to: • Build and lead the full HR function of a high-profile luxury hotel • Influence the cultural and operational transformation of an iconic Cape Town property • Partner directly with the General Manager and Executive Committee • Shape organisational design, talent pipelines, succession strategies and leadership development • Create a workplace where people feel proud, supported and inspired • Lead the HR strategy of a large, complex, multi-department hotel operation For senior hotel HR leaders who want a strategic seat at the table, this role offers exactly that. About the Hotel A well-established luxury hotel known for its world-class service, heartfelt hospitality and commitment to excellence. With a clear purpose to create and inspire memorable experiences and a bold vision to be Cape Town’s most loved hotel , the property is investing in its people strategy as a cornerstone of future success. Values such as Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, Passion and Integrity shape every interaction and decision. We are seeking a leader who not only understands these values but brings them to life in every conversation, policy and initiative. About the Role The Director of Human Resources will report directly to the General Manager and serve as the senior HR voice within the executive leadership team. You will oversee the full HR function, lead an HR Manager and supporting team, and ensure that HR strategy is fully aligned with business performance, operational needs and the hotel’s service philosophy. This role blends board-level influence , strategic vision , and hands-on understanding of hospitality operations. You will play a critical role in: • Leadership development • Organisational capability • Culture building • Talent acquisition and retention • Legislative compliance • HR analytics and strategic workforce planning Qualifications and Criteria • Minimum 10 years of senior hotel HR leadership • At least 5 years in a four or five star hotel environment (ESSENTIAL TO THE ROLE) • Ideal for a current HR Director or a high-performing HR Manager ready to step up • Deep understanding of hotel operations across all 24/7 departments • Proven experience developing and executing people strategies that support operational excellence • Strong knowledge of labour law, compliance and hospitality industry best practice • Demonstrated ability to coach leaders and build strong, engaged teams • Success in organisational development, succession planning and leadership growth • Exceptional communication, influence and interpersonal skills • Must hold a valid South African ID Key Responsibilities • Develop and lead a comprehensive HR strategy aligned to the hotel vision and business goals • Provide senior HR leadership to the Executive Committee and HODs • Lead, mentor and develop the HR team • Drive high-impact talent management, learning and leadership development initiatives • Strengthen organisational culture and employee engagement • Ensure full compliance with labour law and HR governance • Lead workforce planning, organisational design and performance management • Use HR analytics to guide decisions, track trends and support continuous improvement • Foster a culture of excellence, accountability and purpose across the hotel Key Competencies • Senior-level HR leadership presence • Organisational development expertise • Strategic and analytical decision-making • Talent strategy and leadership development • Culture building and employee engagement • Strong influencing capability across diverse operational teams Package on Offer • Competitive and senior-level remuneration • Medical aid and pension or provident fund contributions • Performance-based incentives • Strategic leadership role within a luxury Cape Town hotel • A rare opportunity to shape culture, people and performance at scale A Career-Defining Appointment If you are a dynamic, strategic and people-driven hotel HR professional who is passionate about building strong teams, shaping meaningful workplace culture and creating environments where people can thrive we would love to hear from you. 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