Cluster Human Resources Director

Kimpton; Kuwait; On-site; KWD 7,500 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cluster HR Director at IHG in Kuwait leads HR strategy across multiple hotels, overseeing Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Employee Relations, Payroll, Government Relations, and HR Operations. The role partners with General Managers to drive people outcomes that support guest experience and business growth.

You will coach senior leaders, shape succession plans, drive engagement, onboarding, and ensure compliance with Kuwaiti Labour Law and IHG policies while building strong ties

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the cluster HR strategy aligned with IHG and business objectives.
• Lead Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Employee Relations, Payroll, Government Relations, and HR Operations across all cluster hotels.
• Coach General Managers and Executive Committees on people management, organisational development, succession planning, and leadership effectiveness.
• Oversee annual colleague engagement surveys and implement action plans to improve results.
• Ensure effective onboarding and orientation programs for all new colleagues.
• Develop succession plans and talent pipelines for key positions.
• Ensure compliance with IHG performance management processes and support leadership development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with educational institutions, government authorities, recruitment partners, and local communities.

Job description

People

• Develop and execute the cluster HR strategy aligned with IHG and business objectives.
• Lead Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Employee Relations, Payroll, Government Relations, and HR Operations across all cluster hotels.
• Coach General Managers and Executive Committees on people management, organisational development, succession planning, and leadership effectiveness.
• Oversee annual colleague engagement surveys and implement action plans to improve results.
• Ensure effective on-boarding and orientation programs for all new colleagues.
• Develop succession plans and talent pipelines for key positions.
• Ensure compliance with IHG performance management processes and support leadership development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with educational institutions, government authorities, recruitment partners, and local communities.

Financial

• Prepare and manage the annual cluster HR budget.
• Monitor labour costs, productivity, headcount, and manpower planning across all hotels.
• Ensure competitive compensation and benefits practices while maintaining financial discipline.
• Support business planning through workforce analytics and labour forecasting.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce HR-related operational costs.

Guest Experience

• Champion a people-first culture that inspires colleagues to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve service culture through learning and engagement initiatives.
• Support service excellence programs that strengthen guest satisfaction and brand performance.
• Promote IHG's Winning Ways and True Hospitality culture throughout the cluster.

Responsible Business

• Ensure compliance with Kuwait Labour Law, immigration requirements, and all applicable employment regulations.
• Ensure compliance with IHG policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Lead investigations involving employee relations matters and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Monitor turnover, absenteeism, engagement, and workforce metrics to identify trends and implement improvement initiatives.
• Oversee government relations related to employment, visas, work permits, and labour compliance.
• Support corporate social responsibility initiatives and community engagement programs.
• Provide HR leadership during hotel openings, renovations, and organisational change initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

Accountabilities

This is the senior Human Resources leadership position responsible for providing strategic and operational HR direction across multiple IHG hotels within the cluster. The role leads all Human Resources functions while ensuring consistency, compliance, operational excellence, and alignment with IHG brand standards and business priorities. The Cluster HR Director manages HR leadership teams and partners closely with General Managers and Executive Committees to drive business performance through people.