Director of People Hogs Haven Golf Club

A rare opportunity has arisen to shape the culture, talent and people experience of a new private golf resort in St Andrews, the historic home of golf. As part of a once‑in‑a‑generation hospitality project, this landmark destination will set new global standards in luxury, personalised service and member experience. As Director of People, you will oversee the full People and HR function, while playing a far broader role than process or policy alone. Working closely with the General Manager, you will build a values‑led, service‑driven culture from day one, creating a lasting legacy defined by pride, belonging and shared purpose among employees. This is a discreet, private members’ environment where people truly matter, offering a unique opportunity to shape the people strategy of a truly iconic destination.

About Hogs Haven Golf Club: Set just moments from the historic town regarded as the birthplace of golf, this exceptional new development is poised to become one of Europe’s premier private clubs. Blending tradition with innovation, the club will offer an extraordinary golf and lifestyle experience for a discerning international membership. At its core is a world‑class 18‑hole championship course, complemented by a beautifully designed short course and a unique Himalayan‑style putting green. The luxurious amenities extend beyond the fairways, including an elegant clubhouse, a thoughtfully restored farmhouse halfway house, a boutique spa, and exquisitely appointed lodges offering refined accommodations. Built to deliver excellence in every detail, the club promises a timeless sense of place, world‑class service, and a vibrant, welcoming community.

The new St Andrews development will offer members and non‑members a range of world‑class amenities, including:

• An 18‑hole championship golf course with top‑tier practice facilities
• A Par 3 course and a Himalayan putting course
• A clubhouse, spa, lodge, and cottages
• The restoration of the original farmhouse building to create a unique halfway house dining experience

Director Of People – Key Responsibilities:

• Culture & Leadership: Shape and embed a distinctive, people‑first culture that reflects the Club’s brand, values, and service philosophy. Advise the Executive Team on leadership, organisational design, and cultural development to create lasting impact. Nurture a welcoming and supportive environment where all colleagues feel valued, inspired, and empowered.
• Talent & Workforce Strategy: Lead end‑to‑end talent acquisition, attracting exceptional hospitality professionals globally while developing local Scottish talent. Design workforce plans that anticipate seasonal demand, member expectations, and the Club’s long‑term growth. Strengthen the leadership pipeline through succession planning, talent reviews, and meaningful development initiatives.
• Learning, Development & Performance: Create immersive onboarding and learning programmes that reflect the Club’s luxury standards. Encourage service excellence, emotional intelligence, and leadership growth at every level. Oversee performance frameworks that inspire accountability, pride, and ongoing personal and professional development.
• Employee Experience & Engagement: Champion a seamless employee journey, from first interaction to long‑term career progression. Implement engagement strategies that foster loyalty, discretionary effort, and a genuine sense of belonging. Listen attentively to colleagues and translate feedback into meaningful, positive change.
• Reward, Wellbeing & Employee Relations: Shape thoughtful reward, recognition, and well‑being initiatives that reflect the Club’s values. Lead employee relations with empathy, fairness, and integrity, setting a standard for supportive leadership. Promote holistic wellbeing initiatives that help colleagues thrive personally and professionally.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation and industry best practice. Develop robust policies and procedures aligned with luxury hospitality. Oversee HR systems, data, and reporting to support informed, strategic decision‑making.

Candidate Skills And Experience:

• A senior People leader with deep experience in luxury hospitality, private members’ clubs, resorts, or ultra‑high‑end service environments, who inspires teams as much as shapes strategy.
• Warm, people‑focused, and emotionally intelligent, visible and approachable at all levels, leading with authenticity both on the floor and in the boardroom.
• Experienced in opening or transforming hospitality operations, especially in pre‑opening or early‑stage environments, with a focus on building lasting culture and engaged, high‑performing teams.
• Commercially aware, able to balance the needs of colleagues with the demands of running a successful operation.
• Respected and trusted by executives and owners, while remaining genuinely connected to frontline teams and their daily experiences.
• Passionate about Scotland, its people, and creating hospitality that feels authentic, personal, and world‑class in every detail.

Educational And Certification Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Recognised senior HR or People leadership qualification, such as CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, reflecting expertise in strategic HR, talent management, and organisational design.

Salary And Benefits: Highly competitive executive remuneration and benefits package.

How To Apply: Please upload your CV and cover letter in that order using the link below. You should have your documents fully prepared to be attached when prompted for them during the online application process. Please be sure your image is not present on your CV or cover letter; that should be used on your LinkedIn Profile. Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Mr. David Morgan, General Manager, and clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and other factors that make this opportunity attractive to you. You must apply for this role as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT: Save your CV and letter in the following manner: “Last Name, First Name – CV” “Last Name, First Name – Cover Letter – NGCD – DOP” (These documents should be in Word or PDF format) Note: Once you complete the application process, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents. If you have any questions, please email Patty Sprankle: patty@kkandw.com or Michael Herd: michael.herd@kkandw.com.