Job Description

Reporting to the General Manager / Executive Committee.
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The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a

senior, newly established role of Director of Human Resources

. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary HR leader to define the

strategic direction of the hotels people function

and shape a high-performance culture across the organization.


Our purpose is simple yet powerful:

to create and inspire memorable experiences.

Our vision:

to become Cape Towns most loved hotel.

Our values Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, Passion, and Integrity guide everything we do. We seek leaders who not only embody these values but also drive them throughout the hotel.

About the Role

The

Director of Human Resources

will be the

senior HR leader

in the hotel, responsible for creating and executing

organization-wide HR strategy

. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will oversee an

HR team, including an HR Manager

, and ensure all people initiatives are aligned with the hotels strategic goals.


This role combines

high-level strategic leadership

with deep operational insight into hotel HR. You will partner with the executive team to drive initiatives that enhance

employee engagement, talent development, and organizational performance

, positioning The President Hotel as a

top employer in luxury hospitality

.

Qualifications & Criteria

10+ years senior HR leadership experience

, with at least

5 years in a large hotel or luxury hospitality environment

(essential).

Hotel HR experience is critical as this role requires understanding the

unique demands of a 24/7 luxury operation, multiple departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Banqueting), shift-based teams, and high seasonal fluctuations

. Success depends on aligning people strategy with

guest experience, operational performance, and service excellence

.
Proven success in

developing and executing HR strategy

that drives organizational growth and operational effectiveness. Strong knowledge of

labour law, HR compliance, and hospitality-specific practices

. Demonstrated experience in

building high-performing HR teams

and coaching HR leaders (e.g., HR Managers). Expertise in

organizational design, succession planning, leadership development, and change management

. Strong

strategic thinking, executive presence, and stakeholder management

skills. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Must hold a valid South African ID.

Key Responsibilities

Define and lead the

hotels overarching HR strategy

, aligning people initiatives with business objectives. Oversee the

HR function

, including HR Manager and HR team, ensuring operational delivery and strategic alignment. Drive initiatives around

talent acquisition, leadership development, succession planning, and workforce planning

. Champion a

high-performance culture

, embedding the hotels PVV (Purpose, Vision & Values) at all levels. Lead

employee engagement, retention, and recognition programs

. Ensure compliance with

labour legislation, industry standards, and best practices

. Provide

strategic guidance to executive leadership

on workforce planning, performance, and employee relations. Use

HR analytics and reporting

to inform decision-making and measure the impact of HR initiatives.

Key Competencies

Executive HR Leadership Influence and shape strategy at the senior management level. Organizational Development Build capability and succession pipelines across departments. Talent Strategy Attract, retain, and develop top hospitality talent. Culture & Engagement Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and inclusion. Use HR Analytics & Insights Leverage data to drive strategic decisions.

Package on Offer

Competitive gross package with benefits

, commensurate with experience. Medical aid contribution. Pension/provident fund contribution. Performance-based incentives.

This is a

rare opportunity

to step into a

senior strategic HR leadership role

in one of Cape Towns most iconic hotels. If you are a

proven hotel HR executive

, ready to lead the organizations people strategy and mentor the HR team, we want to hear from you.