Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world's most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo is a soon-to-open luxury hotel located on the banks of the Nile in Downtown Cairo. Following a meticulous restoration of the historic Shepheard Hotel, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with stunning city and river views. Opening in 2027, guests will enjoy five restaurants and bars, a rooftop venue, a club lounge, and extensive event spaces including a rooftop ballroom. The hotel will also offer a signature Mandarin Oriental Spa, indoor and rooftop pools, a fitness centre, and a kid's club. It promises a refined blend of heritage, luxury, and world-class service in the heart of the capital.

About the job

We are looking for a forward-thinking Director of People & Culture, with an initial focus on supporting the pre-opening phase of this landmark hotel. This role is responsible for developing and executing the people strategy, building a strong culture of excellence, and ensuring the hotel attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent. As a member of the Executive Committee, the Director of People & Culture will play a key role in shaping the colleague experience and supporting the successful opening and ongoing operation of the hotel.

As Director of People & Culture, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• During the pre-opening and development phase:

  • Partner with the General Manager, Corporate People & Culture team, and ownership representatives to develop and execute the pre-opening people strategy and workforce plan.
  • Lead the recruitment and onboarding strategy for all hotel positions, ensuring the successful attraction, selection, and integration of colleagues aligned with Mandarin Oriental standards and culture.
  • Support the development and implementation of organisational structures, manpower planning, policies, procedures, and colleague facilities required for hotel opening.
  • Drive pre-opening colleague engagement initiatives, orientation programmes, culture-building activities, and employer branding efforts to establish a high-performing and inclusive workplace from day one.
  • Ensure all people-related systems, processes, and compliance requirements are fully operational prior to opening.

• Define and lead the hotel's People & Culture strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand values, and a culture of excellence.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment where colleagues feel engaged, supported, and empowered to thrive.

• Lead and manage the People & Culture team, ensuring effective coaching, development, succession planning, and performance management.

• Oversee talent acquisition and workforce planning, ensuring the recruitment of exceptional colleagues who represent the company's service philosophy and culture.

• Develop and implement learning and development programmes to enhance colleague capability, leadership readiness, and career progression.

• Promote colleague wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into daily practices and long-term initiatives.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee, providing strategic guidance on organisational effectiveness, culture, workforce planning, and talent management.

• Oversee performance management processes, ensuring fair evaluations, meaningful feedback, and development planning across all departments.

• Manage compensation, benefits, reward, and recognition programmes, maintaining market competitiveness while supporting retention and engagement.

• Ensure compliance with Egyptian labour regulations, company policies, and ethical standards while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

• Monitor colleague engagement and culture metrics, implementing action plans that continuously improve the colleague experience.

• Play an active role as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to the overall strategic direction and success of the hotel.

• Report directly to the General Manager.

As Director of People & Culture, we expect from you:

• As a preference, Egyptian national with GCC experience and experience working for an international luxury hotel operator.
• A minimum of 10 years' progressive Human Resources or People & Culture leadership experience, including experience as Director of People & Culture or an equivalent senior leadership role.
• Previous luxury hospitality experience with internationally recognised hotel brands.
• Proven pre-opening experience, including large-scale recruitment, workforce mobilisation, culture-building, and hotel opening activities.
• Strong understanding of talent acquisition, colleague engagement, learning and development, performance management, compensation, and organisational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with senior leadership and influence business decisions through strategic people initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Egyptian labour laws and employment practices; GCC labour market knowledge would be advantageous.
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Arabic and English; other languages are advantageous.
• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organisational Psychology, Hospitality Management, or a related discipline.

Our commitment to you:

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it's important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Health & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.

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