People & Culture Manager

Pullman Hotels & Resorts; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learn Your Way development programs

Heartist benefits (discounted accom &d

Job summary

Pullman Hamilton is preparing for a landmark opening in Waikato and seeks a seasoned People & Culture Manager to shape the pre-opening P&C strategy and build the groundwork for ongoing success. You will lead recruitment, onboarding and culture-building efforts in alignment with Accor values and local regulations, partnering with leaders to deliver exceptional employee experiences.

The role requires overseeing workforce planning, engagement initiatives, and compliance, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Senior People & Culture leader with hospitality experience.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation.
• Experience recruiting, driving performance, engagement and learning & development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening P&C strategy and workforce plan.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and staffing for opening.
• Build an inclusive, high-performing Heartist culture aligned with Accor values.
• Partner with hotel leaders on employee relations, performance and engagement.
• Drive learning, development and succession initiatives across the property.
• Ensure compliance with NZ employment laws and P&C processes.

Skills

P&C leadership

NZ employment law

Recruitment & onboarding

Employee engagement

Learning & development

Pre-opening experience

Job description

Company Description

As a pioneer in the art of responsible hospitality, the Accor Group brings together more than 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle destinations across 110 countries. While each brand has its own distinct personality, they share one ambition: to continually innovate, challenge the status quo and create meaningful experiences for guests and Heartists alike.

Pullman Hamilton is set to redefine premium hospitality in the heart of the Waikato. Opening in 2027, this landmark property will bring Pullman’s contemporary style, energetic spirit and premium guest experience to New Zealand’s fourth largest and fastest-growing city - creating a destination where business, leisure and lifestyle connect seamlessly.

Featuring 191 elegantly designed guestrooms, a signature restaurant and bar, executive lounge, ballroom and event studios, and a dedicated wellbeing floor, Pullman Hamilton will become a leading destination for travellers, corporates and the local community.

We are now seeking an experienced and people-focused People & Culture Manager to play a key role in the pre-opening and ongoing success of Pullman Hamilton.

Working closely with the General Manager and Executive Committee, you will lead the hotel’s People & Culture strategy, building the team, culture and people foundations needed for a successful opening and long‑term performance.

Job Description

• Lead the pre-opening People & Culture strategy, including workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding.
• Build a strong, inclusive and high-performing Heartist culture aligned with Pullman and Accor values.
• Partner with leaders on employee relations, performance, engagement and workforce matters.
• Drive learning, development, succession planning and talent initiatives across the hotel.
• Ensure compliance with New Zealand employment legislation, policies and People & Culture processes.
• Lead engagement, wellbeing, recognition and retention initiatives that strengthen the employee experience.

Qualifications

• Proven People & Culture or Human Resources leadership experience, ideally within hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and employee relations.
• Experienced across recruitment, performance, engagement and learning and development.
• Collaborative, approachable and confident working with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Pre-opening or large-scale recruitment experience highly regarded.
• Full working rights in New Zealand.

Additional Information

• Play a key leadership role in one of Waikato’s most exciting hotel openings.
• Build the culture and People & Culture foundations of Pullman Hamilton from the ground up.
• Access to Accor’s Learn Your Way development programs and global career pathways.
• Incredible Accor Heartist benefits, including discounted accommodation and dining worldwide.

Accor is an equal opportunity employer. We endeavor to select, place, train, and promote the best qualified individuals based upon job-related factors such as ability, work quality, suitability, experience, and potential.