Job Description
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 Heartist 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 Heartist-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 Heartist 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
Additional Information
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!