Area Director of Human Resources - Saudi National

Job description / Role

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski blends the Arabian values of hospitality and warmth with Kempinski management expertise and our remarkable European flair to bring you 349 rooms and suites with inspired, tasteful and stylish modern Najdi architecture.A peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city, the hotel offers a wide range of outstanding services. These begin with an exquisite variety of dining experiences in exceptional restaurants, and go on to include exclusively distinguished lounges, a classic European spa, a barber shop, fitness centre and two separate swimming pools for men and women.

Area Director of Human Resources

The Area Director of Human Resources will oversee the HR Operations of Kempinski properties in the KSA. This role entails ongoing and proactive consultation, support and guidance of the HR Departments as well as leadership teams on strategic business and human resources strategies covering areas such as talent acquisition and Saudization, payroll & benefits, human resources administration, employee engagement, budgeting and human resources information systems, training & development of the HR Teams.

Key Responsibilities:

- As a Business Partner to the hotel's General Manager and trusted advisor to the management team, support the delivery of the ambitious business objectives of the hotel by creating and delivering a strategic HR agenda focused on attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining talent, ensuring effective performance management, supporting organizational design and workforce planning, and ensuring efficient and compliant HR operations;
- Support and coach the leadership teams in any organizational and people topics, to help them achieve their guest service and business objectives;
- Maintain and develop a strong employer brand in the local market and beyond, implement effective and innovative search and selection for senior as well as volume recruitment in multiple geographies and through a variety of sources, as well as an effective on boarding process;
- Drive strong colleague engagement through employee communication and creative activities and events and ensure proactive follow up on engagement survey results and ongoing feedback, handle staff grievance issues proactively
- Understand the competitive positioning of the hotel as an employer in the market and create appropriate compensation & benefits structures based on market and internal benchmarking
- Ensure an efficient and compliant HR administration according to Kempinski standards and local requirements, including supervision of internal and external payroll services.
- Ensure compliance with local labour and immigration law and handle any legal issues including staff disciplinary actions
- Effectively lead a large HR team including recruiting, HR administration, and staff accommodation functions
- Project manage the roll-out of new global initiatives at the hotel and contribute to the design and implementation of new tools, e.g. HR information systems
- Ensure that corporate and local Human Resources policies & procedures are communicated through proper channels, depending on audience, and implemented accordingly
- Plan and implement an annual budget and manning guide, following up closely on personnel costs, and preparing local management reporting as well as corporate reports.
- Constantly control payroll expenses and keep them in line with the hotel's business performance
- Select and recruit suitable employees for the hotel using the prescribed set of policies and procedures, in conjunction with the Department Heads
- Implement global performance management and talent management and succession planning processes, and follow up on the development and mobility of internal talent, including effective management of promotions, transfers, cross-trainings and task force assignments
- Support and implement new Talent Development initiatives
- Prepare in conjunction with Department Heads a hotel succession plan to guarantee a seamless, efficient handover for all key departmental positions
- Monitor and constantly improve quality and guest satisfaction with the given tools (Leading Quality Assurance, Customer Satisfaction Survey)
- Have in place departmental standards of performance for every task or process and ensure they are communicated to the team members, as applicable to each of them
- Communicate to the Human Resources team other requirements, specifications or guidelines that can be used to ensure that products, processes and services are delivered with consistency
- Conduct daily walk through to ensure quality maintenance standards in all employee related areas (i.e. locker rooms, cafeteria etc.)
- Direct quality control programs for the Human Resources Department designed to ensure continuous delivery of consistent services and products (i.e. departmental audits, spot-checks)
- Ensure that all hotel team members are certified and qualified to work in their respective positions as per the compulsory governmental guidelines in place;
- Ensure all departments are conforming to compulsory standards, as required by local laws or company policy.

Requirements

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

- Saudi National
- Relevant university degree, e.g. in law, business administration, economics, HR management
- Minimum 5 years of experience in HR management roles in the luxury hospitality industry, with at least 3 years of leadership of large HR teams
- Planning & Organization: able to plan, prioritize and implement strategic and operational Human Resources activities, while streamlining departmental processes and organizing well-structured teams
- Commercial Acumen: excellent understanding of hotel's financial results and commercial drivers, and the ability to continuously analyse the performance of the HR department against current business needs
- Leadership: able to achieve high performance, by inspiring and motivating a large HR team as well as the ExCom group; engaging with all managers and staff and having a strong impact on the organisational culture
- Impact & Influence: able to engage, influence, and build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; negotiate win-win solutions in challenging circumstances
- Languages: proficiency in Arabic and English
- Ability to operate computer and office equipment.

About Kempinski Hoteliers since 1897, we have travelled the world in search of the most fascinating destinations without ever forgetting the finest traditions of our European heritage. We are dedicated to please, educated to entertain, and we never compromise on the European elegance of service. We pride ourselves on delivering a beautiful performance for each and every one of our guests. And for our employees, we provide a stage on which they can flourish and realise their full potential. Embrace an experience as individual as you are!

About the Company

The Kempinski name is proudly borne by a growing collection of distinguished properties around the world. As Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, we are committed to providing our guests with memorable journeys inspired by exquisite European flair. We believe life should be lived with style.

Each year, an increasing number of guests come to appreciate these qualities, as Kempinski adds new, exciting destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and The Americas. While this growth reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand, the collection will remain a limited one, where exclusivity can be nurtured and individuality can flourish.

We believe that our prestigious, European heritage puts Kempinski in a unique position to satisfy the expectations of the stylish and discerning traveller. It's not just to simply provide a hotel bed and a meal, at Kempinski it's all about bringing a story to life.

Since 1897, our employees have been a part of creating history around the world. From historic buildings to the most avant-garde of modern architecture, our properties are the setting for some of life's greatest moments. We've witnessed historic meetings between world leaders, celebrities taking sanctuary in the world of privacy we create for them, and created incredible memories for guests on a 'once-in-a-lifetime' journey.

We are wholeheartedly committed to providing perfection for our guests at every moment and in every way. Perhaps it's something as life-changing as a wedding celebration, where our attention to detail and perfect service mean that your special day goes without a hitch. Or perhaps it's as simple as the note left on your pillow at night, which thoughtfully lets you know the weather tomorrow so you know how to dress in the morning. At Kempinski, we are each personally responsible for creating rich and meaningful experiences for our guests.