Director of People & Culture

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds
together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do
you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of
the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner
and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences
located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development
pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world's most
sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian
heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo is a soon-to-open luxury hotel located
on the banks of the Nile in Downtown Cairo.

Following a meticulous restoration of the historic Shepheard Hotel, the property
will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with stunning city and river views.
Opening in 2027, guests will enjoy five restaurants and bars, a rooftop venue,
a club lounge, and extensive event spaces including a rooftop ballroom.
The hotel will also offer a signature Mandarin Oriental Spa, indoor and rooftop
pools, a fitness centre, and a kid's club. It promises a refined blend
of heritage, luxury, and world-class service in the heart of the capital.

About the job

We are looking for a forward-thinking Director
of People & Culture, with an initial focus on supporting the pre-opening phase
of this landmark hotel. This role is responsible for developing and executing
the people strategy, building a strong culture of excellence, and ensuring
the hotel attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent.

As a member of the Executive Committee, the Director of People & Culture
will play a key role in shaping the colleague experience and supporting
the successful opening and ongoing operation of the hotel.

As Director
of People & Culture, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• During the pre-opening and development phase:

  • Partner
    with the General Manager, Corporate People & Culture team, and ownership
    representatives to develop and execute the pre-opening people strategy
    and workforce plan.
  • Lead the recruitment and onboarding strategy
    for all hotel positions, ensuring the successful attraction, selection,
    and integration of colleagues aligned with Mandarin Oriental standards
    and culture.
  • Support the development and implementation
    of organisational structures, manpower planning, policies, procedures,
    and colleague facilities required for hotel opening.
  • Drive pre-opening
    colleague engagement initiatives, orientation programmes, culture-building
    activities, and employer branding efforts to establish a high-performing
    and inclusive workplace from day one.
  • Ensure all people-related
    systems, processes, and compliance requirements are fully operational prior
    to opening.

• Define and lead the hotel's People &
  Culture strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand values,
  and a culture of excellence.

• Foster a positive, inclusive,
  and respectful work environment where colleagues feel engaged, supported,
  and empowered to thrive.

• Lead and manage the People & Culture
  team, ensuring effective coaching, development, succession planning,
  and performance management.

• Oversee talent acquisition
  and workforce planning, ensuring the recruitment of exceptional colleagues
  who represent the company's service philosophy and culture.

• 
  

  Develop and implement learning and development programmes to enhance
  colleague capability, leadership readiness, and career progression.




• Promote colleague wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding
  these principles into daily practices and long-term initiatives.

• 
  

  Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee, providing strategic
  guidance on organisational effectiveness, culture, workforce planning,
  and talent management.

• Oversee performance management
  processes, ensuring fair evaluations, meaningful feedback, and development
  planning across all departments.

• Manage compensation,
  benefits, reward, and recognition programmes, maintaining market competitiveness
  while supporting retention and engagement.

• Ensure compliance
  with Egyptian labour regulations, company policies, and ethical standards while
  maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.




• Monitor colleague engagement and culture metrics, implementing action
  plans that continuously improve the colleague experience.

• Play
  an active role as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to
  the overall strategic direction and success of the hotel.

• 
  

  Report directly to the General Manager.

As Director
of People & Culture, we expect from you:

• As a preference, Egyptian
  national with GCC experience and experience working for an international luxury
  hotel operator.
• A minimum of 10 years' progressive Human Resources
  or People & Culture leadership experience, including experience as Director
  of People & Culture or an equivalent senior leadership role.
• Previous
  luxury hospitality experience with internationally recognised hotel brands.


• Proven pre-opening experience, including large-scale recruitment, workforce
  mobilisation, culture-building, and hotel opening activities.
• Strong
  understanding of talent acquisition, colleague engagement, learning
  and development, performance management, compensation, and organisational
  effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with senior leadership
  and influence business decisions through strategic people initiatives.


• Excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching, and stakeholder management
  skills.
• Strong knowledge of Egyptian labour laws and employment
  practices; GCC labour market knowledge would be advantageous.
• High
  levels of integrity, emotional intelligence, discretion,
  and professionalism.
• Strong organisational and project management
  skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced
  environment.
• Fluency in Arabic and English; other languages
  are advantageous.
• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration,
  Organisational Psychology, Hospitality Management, or a related discipline.

Our commitment to you:

• Learning &
  Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning
  and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow,
  continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our
  colleagues do, it's important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily,
  you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers
  complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your
  loved ones.
• Health & Colleague Wellness. Finding
  the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us.
  
  A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our
  colleagues, globally.

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