HR Manager (Hotel Pre-Opening)

As a People Operations Manager in this Pre-Opening Hotel, you’re not just leading the hotel’s HR function – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.

Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:

• 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.
• Adaptability: Adjust plans as needed; stay resilient under fast-paced, high-pressure conditions.
• Customer Focus: Ensure guest experience remains the top priority from day one.

What are we looking for?

To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• 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

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!