Director of Human Resources

Kempinski Hotels SA; Manama; On-site; BHD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kempinski Hotels SA is seeking a Director of Human Resources in Manama to lead the HR strategy for a luxury property. You will drive talent management, employee relations, learning and culture while ensuring regulatory compliance and high-performance culture.

The role requires 5+ years as HR Director in luxury hotels, GCC experience, and strong labor cost modeling capabilities. English is essential; Arabic is a plus, with a focus on Bahrain labour law and local practices.

Qualifications

• 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; Bahrain experience highly advantageous.
• Fluent English; Arabic language strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening HR master plan, budgeting, and SOPs.
• Oversee global and regional recruitment strategies and campaigns.
• Manage government relations, visas, and LMRA compliance.
• Design and implement learning, development, and culture initiatives.
• Develop compensation structures and benefits aligned to Bahrain market.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

English fluency

Arabic language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Master’s degree or CIPD/SHRM

Tools

HRIS

Labor cost modeling

Job description

Director of Human Resources

Department: Human Resources & Training

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Kingdom of Bahrain - Manama

Description

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading the overall HR strategy, talent management, employee relations, learning and development, and culture for the property. As a key strategic partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee, this role ensures full alignment between business objectives and human capital management while maintaining strict regulatory compliance and fostering an engaging, high-performance work environment.

Key Responsibilities

How You Will Make a Difference; What We’re Looking For

Pre-Opening Strategy, Budgeting & Setup

• 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.

Recruitment

• 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.

Government Relations & Local Compliance

• 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.

Learning, Development & Culture

• 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.

Compensation, Benefits & Employee Relations

• 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

What Makes You a Great Fit; Who We’re Looking For

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 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

Kempinski emphasises talent development and offers career progression within its global network, with properties in over 30 countries. There are opportunities to work in diverse cultural environments whilst continuing your professional growth. We are proud to foster a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Be part of a legacy, build your future. Discover the possibilities at Kempinski.