Director of Human Resources

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the pre-opening HR master plan, countdown schedules, and critical path activities.
• Formulate the hotel’s HR operating budget, pre-opening payroll budget, manning guide, and benefits strategy.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), employee handbook policies, and HR systems (HRIS, time & attendance) in alignment with corporate and local standards.
• Coordinate employee housing, transportation, cafeteria setup, and welfare facilities prior to staff arrival.

• Create and execute global and regional recruitment strategies to source high-caliber luxury hospitality talent.
• Organize career fairs, and digital sourcing campaigns to fill all operational and managerial roles.
• Manage pre-employment processes, including background checks, medical clearances, and offer issuance.

• Oversee the Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Government Relations team to manage work visas, residency permits, and LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) processes smoothly.
• Ensure full compliance with Bahrain Labour Law and maintain required Bahrainisation percentage quotas.
• Maintain relationship networks with local labor authorities, ministries, and hospitality training institutions in Bahrain.

• Partner with department heads to design and roll out brand immersion, luxury service standards, and pre-opening simulation training.
• Oversee the onboarding and orientation programs for all new hires arriving in waves before opening.
• Establish a positive, inclusive organizational culture focused on guest delight, team well-being, and internal growth.

• Design competitive salary scales and benefits packages tailored to the Bahrain market.
• Establish grievance procedures, disciplinary frameworks, and performance appraisal systems.
• Manage team engagement activities, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives to drive high retention during high-stress pre-opening phases.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum 5 years as Director of HR in a 5-star luxury international hotel chain.
• Proven track record in at least one luxury hotel pre-opening project.
• Strong expertise in manning guide creation and labor cost modeling.
• Middle East/GCC experience is required; prior work experience within the Kingdom of Bahrain is highly advantageous.
• Languages: Business fluency in English is essential. Spoken and written Arabic is strongly preferred.
• Competencies: Exceptional organisational and project management skills, strong leadership, cultural sensitivity, resilience under pressure, and strategic vision.
• Technical & Legal Knowledge: Understanding of Bahrain Labour Law and local employment practices.

Why Join Kempinski

About
Founded in Germany in 1897, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, Kempinski is synonymous with distinctive luxury.Located in many of the world's most well-known cities and resorts, the Kempinski collection includes hotels in a grand manner, pace-setting modern establishments and older hotels of individual charm. All blend gracefully into their surroundings and offer luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and unrivalled facilities - complemented by impeccable service.For leisure and business guests alike, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, mobility and efficiency. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning individual.In addition to operating many of the finest city hotels in the world, Kempinski is a name that can now be found in many exciting resort locations, each combining local flair and ambience with the international standards of service and luxury that Kempinski guests have come to expect.