Director, People & Culture (Saudi National)

About Faena

Faena creates cultural epicenters—living stages where art, design, and warm, attentive hospitality convene to craft a feast for the senses. We are a Cultural Embassy that invites guests to seek the extraordinary, shaping worlds that feel profoundly personal, welcoming, and alive.

“At Wadi Safar, we are shaping a new world where art, architecture, and nature live in harmony. Guided by a shared respect for culture and craft, this collaboration with Diriyah Company reflects our belief that beauty can elevate everyday life and inspire a new way of living.”

— Alan Faena

The Role

As Director of People & Culture, you will be the guardian of Faena’s soul on property—shaping a workplace where purpose, artistry, and performance coexist. You will lead the people strategy through pre-opening and beyond, ensuring that every colleague experience reflects Faena’s values while honoring Saudi culture, community, and national priorities.

As a Saudi National, you will play a critical role in localization, talent development, and stakeholder engagement—bridging global brand culture with local identity and regulatory excellence.

What You Will Create

Culture & Employee Experience

• Build and embed a distinctive People & Culture strategy that translates Faena’s ethos into daily rituals, behaviors, and ways of working.

• Design onboarding, storytelling, and engagement moments that turn standards into lived experiences.

• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and inspiring workplace where colleagues feel seen, valued, and proud.

Pre-Opening & Talent Build

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for pre-opening, attracting diverse and exceptional talent with a strong focus on Saudi nationals.

• Partner with leadership to design workforce plans, organizational structures, and succession pathways.

• Oversee pre-opening training frameworks, culture immersion, and leadership readiness.

Saudi Localization & Compliance

• Champion Saudization and national talent development in line with Vision 2030 and local regulations.

• Ensure full compliance with Saudi labor law, GOSI, Mudad, Qiwa, and all related regulatory requirements.

• Act as a trusted liaison with government entities and external partners.

Learning, Development & Performance

• Create learning journeys that develop both craft and character—leadership capability, service excellence, and technical mastery.

• Implement performance management frameworks that are fair, transparent, and growth-oriented.

• Coach leaders to lead with empathy, accountability, and presence.

Governance, Wellbeing & Trust

• Oversee employee relations, engagement, wellbeing, and grievance processes with discretion and care.

• Drive ethical standards, data integrity, and people analytics to support informed decision-making.

• Build credibility and trust with ownership, leadership, and colleagues at every level.

Who You Are

• A Saudi National with strong cultural fluency and a deep understanding of the Saudi labor environment.

• A senior People & Culture / Human Resources leader from luxury hospitality or a similarly service-led industry.

• Experienced in pre-opening or transformational environments, with the ability to build structure and soul simultaneously.

• A culture carrier and trusted advisor—confident, empathetic, and principled.

• Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to engage effectively across teams, leadership, and external stakeholders.

What’s in it for you...

• Lots of opportunity to progress and switch it up as part of a global family of brands.
• Great healthcare, competitive salary, and some nice extra perks across the Ennismore family of brands!
• Learning opportunities to broaden your skillset and development that helps you think, make, and thrive at work
• The opportunity to be yourself and collaborate with other bright minds in a relaxed, innovative culture