Director of Human Resources - Pre Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah, Riyadh

Director of Human Resources – Shaping the Future of Luxury Hospitality at Ritz-Carlton Diriyah

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah stands as a visionary landmark in the heart of Diriyah, the historic cradle of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a groundbreaking addition to The Ritz-Carlton’s global legacy, this iconic property seamlessly blends the region’s rich cultural heritage with unparalleled luxury and world-class hospitality. Now, we are seeking a visionary Director of Human Resources to lead the development of a world-class workforce, foster an exceptional culture, and drive the success of this transformative destination.

This is more than a role—it is an opportunity to shape the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the strategic vision of Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton brand. As a key member of the Executive Committee, you will play a pivotal role in building a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team that delivers the legendary Ritz-Carlton experience.

Key Responsibilities

As the strategic partner to the General Manager and the Regional Senior Director of Human Resources, your leadership will be instrumental in:

• Developing and implementing a forward-thinking HR strategy that aligns with the property’s vision, brand standards, and business objectives, ensuring a seamless integration of talent and culture from pre-opening to full operation.
• Driving talent acquisition and workforce planning to assemble a diverse, skilled, and motivated team capable of delivering exceptional guest experiences while supporting long-term growth.
• Fostering a culture of excellence through engagement initiatives, leadership development, and succession planning, ensuring the hotel’s leadership pipeline is robust and aligned with future business needs.
• Partnering with department heads to enhance performance management, coaching, and career development, empowering associates to thrive in a dynamic luxury environment.
• Designing competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract top talent, ensure internal equity, and reinforce the hotel’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Leading organizational change initiatives with agility and vision, ensuring smooth transitions and fostering a workplace culture that reflects the brand’s legacy of excellence.
• Building strategic relationships with regional HR leaders, ownership stakeholders, and key partners to drive workforce optimization and retention strategies that support operational success.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute HR leader with a passion for luxury hospitality and a proven track record of building high-performing teams. The successful candidate will:

• Exhibit a collaborative and influential leadership style, inspiring trust and engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Bring extensive experience leading HR functions in luxury hotels, resorts, or complex hospitality environments, with a deep understanding of industry best practices.
• Demonstrate expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, succession planning, compensation, and organizational development, with a focus on measurable results.
• Possess strong commercial acumen, translating business priorities into innovative HR strategies that drive growth and operational excellence.
• Commit to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes associate development, engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion, ensuring a positive and empowering environment.
• Have a proven ability to lead organizational change, develop future leaders, and build sustainable talent pipelines that align with long-term business goals.
• Hold a relevant degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, complemented by certifications such as SHRM-SCP or PHR.

This is your chance to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking project that will redefine luxury hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Join us in creating a legacy that sets new standards for excellence, innovation, and service.