Assistant Director of Talent & Culture

The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, set to open its doors in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, will be the first Fairmont brand in Thailand. This 416-room luxury hotel, taking design inspiration from the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and contemporary dynamism, will offer an exquisite blend of traditional Thai aesthetics and modern sophistication. Positioned as an urban resort, our guests will be able to enjoy a very special and unique range of offerings such as eight dining and bar venues including a rooftop terrace, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, an extensive gym and an entire floor of wellness spa. For corporate and social groups, the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will offer two ballrooms, as well as eight meeting rooms, making it an outstanding destination for meetings, conferencing and events. The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is set to become the social epicenter of Bangkok, embodying our belief that a Fairmont is a truly special place!

Position: Assistant Director of Talent and Culture

Department: Talent and Culture

Reports to: Director of Talent and Culture

Working Location: Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit or any assigned venues

This position assists the Director of Talent and Culture in the strategic leadership and operational management of the entire Talent and Culture function. You will play a crucial role in building a vibrant, supportive, and high-performing environment where our colleagues are the heart and soul of our hotel, and in enabling them to have the freedom to create special, personalized experiences for our guests. You will foster a culture that truly embodies our inspirational dream to show the world that true luxury is inclusive, by making special happen and turning moments into special memories. You will act for the Director of Talent and Culture in his/her absence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Talent Acquisition & Management:
  • Support the full cycle of talent acquisition, from sourcing and interviewing to selection and onboarding, ensuring we attract and retain colleagues who embody our character traits of being special, surprising, and genuine.
  • Implement robust onboarding programs that connect new colleagues to our purpose and culture from day one, making them feel welcomed and valued.
  • Assist in talent mapping and succession planning to ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, celebrating and connecting our past, present, and future.
  • This includes recruiting for roles that are vital to achieving Forbes 5-Star service standards.
• Colleague Relations & Engagement:
  • Foster a positive and approachable work environment, serving as a trusted point of contact for colleague concerns, grievances, and inquiries.
  • Promote strong colleague engagement initiatives that build a sense of community and belonging, reflecting our belief that we are connectors.
  • Manage and actively participate in the Hotel Welfare Committee, fostering a supportive environment and ensuring colleague well-being initiatives align with our commitment to making our community a better place and recognizing that our colleagues are the heart and soul of our hotels.
  • Ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures, embodying transparency and accountability.
  • Support conflict resolution and disciplinary processes with empathy and fairness.
• Learning & Development:
  • Support and supervise the Learning & Development Manager, ensuring strategic alignment and effective execution of all training initiatives that champion Fairmont's learning philosophy.
  • Collaborate in the identification of training needs and the development of comprehensive learning programs that enhance colleagues' skills and career progression, empowering them with new skills to meet the changing needs of the business and in giving them the freedom to create special, personalized experiences for our guests.
  • Ensure all learning initiatives, particularly those focused on guest interaction and service delivery, are meticulously designed to achieve and maintain Forbes 5-Star standards.
  • Conduct learning and development sessions as needed, serving as a facilitator and trainer to directly impart knowledge and skills.
  • Oversee performance management processes, ensuring constructive feedback and development plans are in place to maximize individual and team potential.
• HR Operations & Compliance:
  • Assist in the administration of compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness and fairness.
  • Maintain accurate colleague records and manage HR information systems effectively.
  • Act as the champion for the hotel's Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), driving its effective utilization across the department and ensuring data integrity to support strategic decision-making and efficient HR operations.
  • Manage the end-to-end process for all expatriate colleagues' Visa and Work Permit applications, renewals, and related immigration procedures, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and providing seamless support.
  • Lead and execute FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) and Manpower planning initiatives, ensuring optimal staffing levels that align with operational needs and financial objectives, fostering efficiency and colleague well-being.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all local labor laws, regulations, and company policies, always holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all colleagues.
• Strategic Support & Leadership:
  • Work closely with the Director of Talent and Culture on strategic HR initiatives, departmental goals, and budget management.
  • Reinforce a culture across the entire hotel where all colleagues are empowered to drive positive outcomes, ensuring effective top-down communication of strategic direction and fostering bottom-up feedback and initiatives, thereby maximizing collective contribution and a shared sense of purpose.
  • Lead and motivate the Talent and Culture team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
  • Represent the Talent and Culture department in various hotel meetings and committees as required.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Talent and Culture or the Hotel Management.

Prospective & Expectation: At Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, we believe that everyone is the Guest Service, Security, Sales & Marketing, and Human Resources Person. This means:

• Guest Service: Every interaction is an opportunity to delight and create a truly special experience, reflecting our commitment to turning moments into special memories. This is directly linked to the consistent delivery of Forbes 5-Star service.
• Security: We are all responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our guests and colleagues.
• Sales & Marketing: We actively identify and pursue opportunities to promote our exceptional offerings and enhance the hotel's reputation.
• Human Resources: We contribute to a positive and supportive work environment, fostering growth and well-being for our team members. We hold ourselves accountable to helping make our community a better place and ensure our service culture supports Forbes 5-Star standards.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Additional HR certification (e.g., HRCI, SHRM) or specialized training in Thai labor Protection law and Act on Establishment of Labor Courts and Labor Court Procedure will be a distinct advantage.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 2-3 years in a management role, preferably within a luxury hotel or hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in recruitment, compensation, employee relations, and learning & development, with a specific focus on achieving Forbes 5-Star service standards.
• Proven expertise in applying Behavioral Based Interview Techniques to assess candidate fit and potential effectively.
• Strong knowledge of Thai labor laws and regulations.
• Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English and Thai is a must, essential for creating truly personalized and approachable experiences that connect genuinely with our diverse local and international guests and colleagues, ensuring every interaction turns into a special memory.
• Proficiency in a third language will be considered a significant advantage.
• Excellent working knowledge of HRIS systems, MS Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.

Competencies:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), allowing you to connect authentically with colleagues at all levels and handle sensitive situations with discretion.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities, with a proven track record of developing and motivating teams.
• Highly empathetic, approachable, and genuine in all interactions, building trust and rapport.
• Results-oriented with an eye for detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment while maintaining composure.
• A strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• A true team player and collaborator, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.
• Well-presented and professionally groomed at all times, embodying the elegance and sophistication of the Fairmont brand.