Learning & Development / Human Resources Director - on behalf of a client
LOCATION: DIFC, Dubai
SALARY: Depending on experience
ABOUT US
Our brand-new and exclusive members club, located in the heart of Dubai, offers a private world of unparalleled connections. Representing a new pinnacle of sophistication and elegance in the region, the Club sets itself apart as a carefully curated membership offering, fusing Emirati cultural nuance with timeless heritage hospitality. We are committed to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for our distinguished members.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The HR & L&D Director develops and leads the people strategy for the Private Members Club fostering a high-performance culture rooted in care, compliance, and ongoing learning. This role ensures that every team member is supported, developed, and aligned with the club's values from pre-opening through operations.
Reporting to the Club General Manager, the HR & L&D Director manages recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, succession planning, and regulatory compliance. They play a vital role in shaping the workplace culture and ensuring every team interaction is supported by members working at their full potential.
KEY RESPONSIBILTIES
People Strategy & Culture
- Lead comprehensive people operations, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention.
- Foster a values-driven culture that promotes wellbeing, accountability, and performance.
- Collaborate with leadership to establish behaviours and rituals that embody the brand ethos.
HR Compliance & Operations
- Ensure complete compliance with UAE labour law, visa regulations, and health & safety standards.
- Manage employee records, contracts, policies, and grievance procedures.
- Lead annual reviews, payroll alignment, and performance documentation.
Learning & Development Leadership
- Design and deliver the complete learning lifecycle, from onboarding to leadership development.
- Develop SOP training modules and service refreshers aligned with luxury hospitality standards.
- Assist Department Heads with customised training programmes and succession strategies.
Leadership Coaching & Performance Management
- Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership regarding talent development and organisational culture.
- Facilitate workshops, coaching programmes, and internal talent pipelines.
- Own club-wide performance review cycles and feedback frameworks.
Pre-Opening Deliverables
- Finalise the HR tech stack, recruitment procedures, and onboarding pathways.
- Conduct pre-opening service induction for all departments.
- Ensure visa sponsorship, payroll registration, and housing compliance for pre-launch hires.
REQUIREMENTS
- 8+ years in HR and/or L&D senior leadership within luxury hospitality, lifestyle, or private clubs is essential.
- Strong understanding of UAE labour law, Emiratisation policy, and cultural norms
- Experience in developing people infrastructure for pre-opening hospitality operations.
- Experienced facilitator with expertise in contemporary L&D models and HR systems.
- Strategic thinker with a focus on operational rigour and a people-first approach
- Confident communicator at all levels and across nationalities.
- Currently located in Dubai or willing to relocate for a full-time position.
