Director of People & Culture

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 flexible 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 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

• 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!