Cluster Director of People & Culture

Nestled in the heart of Nairobi since 1904, Fairmont The Norfolk is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. Set within serene tropical gardens, the hotel features 125 beautifully appointed rooms and suites designed to offer exceptional comfort while preserving its rich heritage. Over the decades, it has welcomed distinguished guests, global leaders, and travelers seeking refined hospitality in a setting that reflects Nairobi’s vibrant history. With award-winning dining, a heated outdoor pool, wellness facilities, and curated local experiences, the hotel offers guests both relaxation and a gateway to explore the city’s culture and nearby attractions. Committed to sustainability and excellence, Fairmont The Norfolk continues to blend historic charm with contemporary sophistication, creating memorable experiences for generations of visitors.

The Cluster Director of People & Culture is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for shaping and steering the comprehensive People & Culture strategy across Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club.

As a key member of the Executive Committees, the Cluster Director serves as a visible ambassador of Fairmont and Accor values, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, inclusion and respect. The role provides strategic leadership across all aspects of the colleague lifecycle, including organizational development, talent management, employee engagement, employee relations, reward, compliance, workforce planning and P&C operations.

The role partners closely with the Cluster General Manager, Unit General Managers and Executive Committees to align People & Culture priorities with business objectives, strengthen organizational capability and drive sustainable business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Cluster and Unit General Managers and Executive Committees on all strategic People & Culture matters.
• Develop and execute the annual Cluster People & Culture Business Plan aligned with business priorities.
• Provide expert advice on P&C policies, employment matters, organisational effectiveness and Kenyan Labour Law.
• Use P&C data and analytics to identify trends and support informed business decisions.
• Ensure compliance with Fairmont and Accor standards, company policies and applicable legislation.
• Lead, coach and develop the P&C team to deliver a high-quality service to both hotels.
• Lead the colleague engagement and culture strategy, fostering a high-performance, inclusive and collaborative workplace.
• Champion Fairmont and Accor values, DE&I, ethical conduct and professional standards.
• Drive colleague communication, engagement and recognition initiatives.
• Monitor colleague feedback and engagement survey results and ensure appropriate action plans are implemented.
• Promote colleague welfare, well-being and a positive employee experience.
• Oversee colleague facilities, benefits and engagement activities in line with brand standards.
• Lead the cluster talent strategy covering recruitment, internal mobility, succession planning, leadership development and career growth.
• Build a strong internal talent pipeline while ensuring access to external talent where required.
• Ensure effective recruitment, selection, onboarding and orientation processes.
• Identify critical roles and maintain appropriate succession plans.
• Lead learning and development initiatives to strengthen leadership, technical and service capabilities.
• Guide leaders on performance management, development plans and career progression.
• Oversee appraisal, promotion and transfer processes to ensure consistency and fairness.
• Lead employee relations, grievance, disciplinary and misconduct processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, confidentiality and legal compliance.
• Provide guidance and coaching to leaders on employee relations and workplace matters.
• Ensure employment practices comply with company policies, Kenyan Labour Law and statutory requirements.
• Maintain appropriate colleague records, documentation and P&C reporting.
• Manage relationships with relevant government and regulatory authorities where required.
• Lead workforce planning and ensure staffing structures support business requirements and approved budgets.
• Review the appropriate mix of permanent, contract, casual and outsourced colleagues.
• Oversee compensation and benefits, salary reviews and benchmarking to ensure competitiveness and fairness.
• Monitor leave liability and payroll costs.
• Oversee payroll and P&C systems to ensure accurate, timely and compliant processing.
• Ensure organization structures, job descriptions and staffing levels remain aligned with business needs.
• Champion a strong health, safety and colleague well-being culture across both hotels.
• Oversee workplace safety programmes and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Promote initiatives that support colleague welfare and a safe, respectful and supportive workplace.
• Oversee effective P&C operations across both hotels, ensuring consistent and efficient delivery.
• Maintain strong working relationships with management, colleagues, Accor representatives, external partners and relevant authorities.
• Represent management in employee-related matters and disputes through a professional and transparent approach.
• Adapt P&C strategies and practices in response to business, industry and organizational changes.
• Perform other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.
• Adhere to all Fairmont, Accor and hotel policies, procedures and brand standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and respect at all times.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and a positive colleague environment.
• Comply with health, safety, security and sustainability requirements.
• Support the delivery of an exceptional luxury guest experience through effective people leadership.

 Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience as a Director of Human Resources
• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent)
• Bachelor's degree in Human resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Previous experience in Kenya desirable

Skills & Attributes

• Self-confident, creative and proactive, able to prioritize and make effective decisions. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to build strong relationships, interact and influence others at all levels of the organization
• Ability to gauge talent and a candidate's potential fit within in the company
• Highly organized and able to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Computer literacy a must, with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite essential