People Operations Manager (HR Pre Opening)

Lead HR strategy and operations: Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the hotel's business objectives, ensuring compliance with corporate HR policies and local regulations. Drive talent acquisition and workforce planning: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning to attract and retain top talent while optimizing labor costs. Develop and engage talent: Oversee training programs, performance evaluations, and succession planning to support career growth and leadership development. Manage team member relations: Provide guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and labor contract compliance, including grievance handling and negotiations. Oversee HR policies and compliance: Establish and enforce HR policies, ensuring adherence to employment laws, wage and benefit administration, and workplace safety regulations. Support financial goals: Develop and manage the HR budget, ensuring efficient use of resources while supporting hotel operations. Cultivate a high-performing team: Drive engagement, recruitment, and retention through performance management, professional development, and recognition programs. Key Responsibilities for Hotel Pre-Opening Leaders. Project Management: Oversee timelines, budgets, and resources; manage construction, procurement, and vendor coordination; ensure compliance with deadlines and regulations. Strategic Planning: Develop and execute pre-opening plans; set priorities, anticipate challenges, and establish operational workflows. Operational Readiness: Ensure all departments (front office, housekeeping, F&B, engineering) are prepared; coordinate training and brand standards implementation. Team Leadership: Recruit, onboard, and train staff; foster collaboration and maintain team focus under pressure. Financial Management: Manage pre-opening budgets; monitor forecasts; negotiate vendor contracts and control costs. Brand Standards: Ensure consistency in design, service, and operations aligned with brand guidelines. Problem-Solving: Address unexpected issues quickly; manage risks and maintain safety compliance. Attention to Detail: Oversee final construction, design, and furnishing; ensure operational processes meet quality standards. Communication: Maintain transparent updates with owners, investors, and stakeholders; represent the project in pre-opening events. Customer Focus: Ensure guest experience remains the top priority from day one. Tertiary qualifications, or other collegiate-level degree, in Human Resources or related field, required. Previous human resources management experience in the hotel, leisure, and/or retail sector. Excellent leadership skills and exceptional communication skills. Strong commercial/business acumen. A passion for leadership and the vision to create a winning team.