Company Description Fairmont La Hacienda will offer guests one of the most exclusive resorts in southern Spain. Situated on the San Roque coast, in a unique and privileged enclave near Sotogrande, it features a luxurious 5-star hotel and branded residences, showcasing breathtaking sea views.
Guests at Fairmont La Hacienda will indulge in a luxury resort experience with access to pools, a spa, fitness facilities, a grand ballroom, and versátil meeting spaces. Surrounded by two of southern Europe's most renowned golf courses, the hotel provides an exclusive retreat for golf enthusiasts, beach lovers, and discerning travelers.
We are seeking a strategic, hands‑on, and inspiring leader to join Fairmont La Hacienda as Director of People & Culture. This role is key in shaping the heart‑culture experience, driving a high‑performance culture, and aligning people strategies with business objectives in a luxury hospitality environment.
The Director of People & Culture will act as a trusted partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee, leading all aspects of the People & Culture function while ensuring compliance with Spanish labor legislation and Fairmont standards.
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
Lead the development and execution of the People & Culture strategy aligned with hotel objectives and Accor/Fairmont guidelines
Act as a key member of the Executive Committee, providing strategic HR guidance and influencing business decisions
Drive organizational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives, particularly in a dynamic operational environment
Foster a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
People & Culture Operations
Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the People & Culture department, ensuring a professional, confidential, and heart‑culture‑centric service
Ensure full compliance with Spanish labor law, collective agreements, and Accor/Fairmont policies
Lead employee relations, including disciplinary processes, investigations, and conflict resolution
Maintain strong relationships with employee representatives (Comité de Empresa) and external stakeholders
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding
Lead recruitment strategy and execution to attract, hire, and retain top talent in line with approved manning and budget
Promote employer branding initiatives aligned with Fairmont’s luxury positioning
Ensure transparent, fair, and inclusive recruitment and selection processes
Learning, Development & Talent Management
Drive talent development strategies, including succession planning and career development
Ensure the implementation of onboarding, training programs, and leadership development initiatives
Support leaders in performance management processes, goal setting, and development planning
Identify and develop high‑potential talent within the organization
Employee Engagement, Culture & Experience
Champion the heart‑culture and Fairmont values across all levels of the organization
Develop and implement engagement, recognition, and wellbeing initiatives
Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment
Ensure effective internal communication strategies
Compensation, Benefits & HR Analytics
Oversee payroll, compensation, and benefits, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness
Manage labor costs in line with budget and business needs
Lead HR reporting, analytics, and KPIs (turnover, engagement, absenteeism, headcount) to support decision‑making
Participate in budget preparation, forecasting, and cost control for the department
HR Systems, Compliance & Governance
Ensure accuracy and optimization of HRIS systems (e.g., Factorial or similar)
Oversee audits, reporting, and compliance with corporate and legal requirements
Maintain proper documentation and HR administration standards
Culture, Brand & Responsible Hospitality
Embed Fairmont service culture and luxury standards into the employee experience
Promote responsible and sustainable practices within the workplace
Support corporate initiatives and brand programs, ensuring local implementation
Qualifications
Minimum 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role
Proven experience in the hospitality industry, preferably within luxury hotel environments
Strong knowledge of Spanish labor law, employee relations, and collective agreements
Experience working with Works Councils (Comité de Empresa) is highly desirable
Degree in Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and HR analytics
Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Factorial or similar)
Fluency in Spanish and English (both written and spoken)
Competencies
Strategic thinking and leadership
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to influence and coach senior leaders
Problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities
Change management and adaptability
High level of integrity and confidentiality
Passion for people, culture, and luxury hospitality
Additional Requirements
European citizenship or valid work permit for Spain
What Is In It For You
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Discounted hotel rooms and food and beverage rates to employees at our sister properties around the globe.
We provide learning programs through our Academies to promote growth and development so that you can perform at your full potential.
Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!