South Africa: Hotel Director of Human Resources posted by President Hotels

Lead with Heart. Shape the Future of People and Purpose at Cape Town’s Most Loved Hotel.

Director of Human Resources – Reporting to the General Manager / Executive Committee

The President Hotel is entering an inspiring new chapter of growth and transformation, and with this comes the creation of a newly established senior leadership role: Director of Human Resources.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary HR professional to define the people strategy of one of Cape Town’s most iconic hotels and to cultivate a culture where every team member feels valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver excellence.

Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to create and inspire memorable experiences.
Our vision: to become Cape Town’s most loved hotel.
Our values: Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, Passion, and Integrity,  guide everything we do. We are looking for a leader who embodies these values and lives them every day.

About the Role

As the Director of Human Resources, you will serve as the senior HR leader within the hotel, reporting directly to the General Manager. You will provide strategic direction for the HR function and lead a capable team, including an HR Manager, ensuring that people initiatives are closely aligned with our business goals.

This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with a hands-on understanding of hotel operations. Working closely with the Executive Committee, you will drive initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, enhance leadership capability, and build an inclusive, high-performance culture — ensuring The President Hotel remains an employer of choice in luxury hospitality.

Qualifications & Criteria

• Minimum 10 years of senior HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a large hotel environment (essential).
• Deep understanding of hotel operations, including Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Banqueting, and other 24/7 departments.
• Proven ability to design and implement people strategies that enhance service excellence and operational success.
• Strong knowledge of labour law, HR compliance, and hospitality industry standards.
• Experience in coaching HR leaders, building high-performing HR teams, and leading through influence.
• Demonstrated success in organizational design, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Excellent strategic thinking, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Must hold a valid South African ID.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a holistic HR strategy aligned with the hotel’s purpose, vision, and goals.
• Lead and mentor the HR team to ensure consistent excellence in service and delivery.
• Oversee all areas of talent management, including recruitment, learning, development, and retention.
• Champion a strong, values-driven culture that enhances employee engagement and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and hospitality best practices.
• Advise the Executive Committee on workforce planning, performance management, and employee relations.
• Use HR analytics to measure impact and guide decision-making.

Key Competencies

• Executive HR Leadership – Inspire and influence at the most senior level.
• Organizational Development – Build capacity and capability across teams.
• Talent Strategy – Attract, retain, and develop top hospitality talent.
• Culture & Engagement – Foster pride, passion, and purpose in every department.
• Data-Driven Insight – Use analytics to inform and elevate HR strategy.

Package on Offer

• Competitive gross package with benefits (commensurate with experience).
• Medical aid and pension/provident fund contributions.
• Performance-based incentives.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to step into a newly created senior HR leadership role and shape the people strategy of one of Cape Town’s most renowned hotels.

If you are a dynamic, strategic, and people-driven HR leader who believes in creating environments where people can thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in leading with purpose, inspiring with passion, and building the future of hospitality at The President Hotel.