Director of Human Resources Pre Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah

About The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is located within the historic landscape of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. This property combines the heritage of a UNESCO-recognised destination with contemporary hospitality standards. The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is part of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, * and Marriott International.

Role Overview

The Director of Human Resources for the pre-opening Ritz-Carlton Diriyah will join the Executive Committee. This full-time role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and requires over 10 years of experience. The Director of Human Resources will report to the General Manager and functionally to the Regional Senior Director of Human Resources, acting as a strategic business partner to the hotel’s leadership team. This position involves leading the development and execution of a people strategy aligned with property and brand objectives, overseeing talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession management, associate engagement, performance development, compensation strategy, and organisational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Human Resources strategy aligned with property goals, brand priorities, and business objectives.
• Lead talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession management, and leadership pipeline development across the hotel.
• Champion associate engagement initiatives, including survey action planning, recognition programmes, and culture-building activities.
• Partner with department leaders to strengthen performance management, coaching, learning, and career development practices.
• Drive staffing optimisation and recruitment strategies that support operational excellence and future growth.
• Lead compensation and benefits initiatives, ensuring competitiveness, internal equity, and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Serve as a key change leader for organisational and people-related initiatives, supporting successful adoption and execution.
• Build relationships with ownership representatives, regional HR leaders, and key stakeholders, providing insights on talent, retention, and workforce performance.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

The ideal candidate will be an HR leader with experience in luxury hospitality and a proven ability to create high-performing cultures. This role requires a collaborative and influential leadership style.

• Experience leading Human Resources within a luxury hotel, resort, or complex hospitality environment.
• Strong expertise across talent acquisition, employee relations, succession planning, compensation, and organisational development.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to translate business priorities into people strategies.
• Commitment to associate development, engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion.
• Experience leading change, developing future leaders, and building sustainable talent pipelines.
• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, along with relevant professional experience within Human Resources or hospitality operations.

Working at The Ritz-Carlton

Joining The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah means becoming part of Marriott International, a global organisation. The Ritz-Carlton operates over 100 properties worldwide, focusing on delivering luxury service and guest experiences. Associates are expected to uphold the "Gold Standards" of The Ritz-Carlton, which guide daily operations and define the brand's culture. Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds are valued.

Application

This role offers an opportunity for leaders in human resources within the luxury hospitality sector. Candidates interested in shaping the culture and success of a luxury hotel are encouraged to apply.