Cluster Director of Human Resources - InterContinental Hotel & Residences Abu Dhabi

At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, we are more than just a hotel—we are a world-class destination where luxury meets legacy. Located in the heart of the capital, InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi represent the epitome of sophisticated hospitality.

We are seeking a Cluster Director of Human Resources to lead our people strategy across both properties, supporting our colleagues. This is a pivotal leadership role for a forward-thinking, high-impact HR professional who thrives in luxury environments.

As Cluster Director of Human Resources, you will serve as a strategic partner to the Cluster General Manager and Executive Leadership Teams across both properties. You will drive a results-oriented, people-first culture, lead cross-functional HR initiatives, and ensure operational excellence in line with IHG standards and UAE labor legislation.

This role is instrumental in building a high-performing culture that attracts, retains, and develops exceptional talent while aligning HR strategy with our luxury guest experience and long-term commercial goals.

A little taste of your day-to-day:

Every day is different, but you’ll mostly do:

• Design and implement HR strategies to support current operations and future business growth across both hotel and residence portfolios.
• Lead organizational structure reviews and succession planning, ensuring optimal talent alignment across functions.
• Champion a high-performance, service-driven culture rooted in accountability, diversity, and well-being.
• Collaborate with regional and corporate HR teams to implement IHG's global frameworks and strategic talent initiatives.

• Oversee recruitment strategies to attract top talent, with a focus on building a talent pipeline for luxury service roles and leadership positions.
• Lead Employer Branding efforts in partnership with Marketing & Communications, positioning the cluster as an Employer of Choice in the UAE and regionally.
• Drive proactive workforce planning, nationalization strategies (e.g., Emiratization), and inclusive hiring practices.

• Develop and monitor comprehensive L&D plans, including leadership development, service excellence, and mandatory compliance training.
• Ensure deployment and utilization of IHG’s learning platforms such as IHG MyLearning and IHG Academy partnerships.
• Foster a learning culture that supports personal growth, cross-training, and career progression.

• Lead the implementation and analysis of employee engagement surveys (e.g., IHG Colleague HeartBeat) and design action plans accordingly.
• Oversee performance management processes including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and annual appraisals.
• Promote an open-door culture and maintain transparent communication channels throughout the organization.
• Coordinate engagement events and colleague recognition programs such as IHG Celebrate Service Week and IHG Colleague of the Month.

• Ensure full compliance with UAE labor laws, IHG policies, and internal audit requirements.
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution processes with fairness, confidentiality, and consistency.
• Liaise with government authorities and PROs on visa, immigration, and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and best practices.

• Lead the HR team to deliver efficient service across payroll, onboarding, HRIS, and employee records.
• Develop and report on HR KPIs (turnover, cost-per-hire, engagement, training hours) to support data-driven decision-making.
• Manage departmental budgets and forecast HR-related expenditures in alignment with business targets

 What we need from you:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership capacity.
• Previous multi-property/cluster HR leadership experience within luxury hospitality or lifestyle brands.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams (400+ colleagues) across various departments.
• Deep understanding of UAE labor law, visa and immigration processes, and government platforms.
• Proven track record of driving employee engagement, leadership development, and cultural transformation.
• Experience in deploying IHG tools is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or HR certification (CIPD, SHRM) is a plus.
• High level of emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.

What you can expect from us: 

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business. 

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

IHG gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.  

So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family.