At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture strategy for a luxury hotel, shaping its unique culture and team.
- Company: Join Delano London, an innovative brand set to redefine hospitality in South Kensington.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, development opportunities, and a chance to launch a visionary brand.
- Other info: Be part of a creative environment that values innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a new luxury hotel and inspire a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years in HR, preferably in hospitality, with strong recruitment and relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Director of People & Culture to join the pre-opening team of Delano London. As a strategic partner to the General Manager and Leadership team, you will define and lead the People & Culture strategy, shaping a distinctive culture that reflects the spirit and ambition of the brand from day one.
You will be responsible for building a high-performing team, embedding strong values and behaviours, and ensuring the hotel attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent. Through thoughtful engagement initiatives, progressive people practices, and a strong focus on performance and compliance, you will create an environment where colleagues thrive and the guest experience is elevated as a result.
Set to open its doors in 2026, Delano London will be an intimate and refined urban sanctuary in South Kensington, bringing the brand’s iconic understated glamour to one of London’s most prestigious addresses at 60 Hyde Park Gate, overlooking Hyde Park and moments from the city’s leading cultural institutions. The 67-key luxury retreat will blend soft minimalist design, generous living spaces and park views creating a distinctive lifestyle destination where design, dining, nightlife and wellbeing seamlessly converge.
What you’ll do:
- Be a true partner to the business for anything that relates to looking after their teams, providing advice & guidance.
- Implement and manage our policies, processes, and procedures, ensuring we are compliant with local employment law in all areas.
- Position our brand as an employer of choice through effective recruitment strategies that attract talent and build a talent pool for effective succession planning within the business.
- Work with heads of department on putting in place development opportunities & paths for the team, with input from our Director of L&D.
- Keep the culture of the hotel alive by embedding Delano values, promoting a fair, safe and inclusive environment and leading initiatives that engage and empower the team.
- Drive our talent review process from coffee chats, annual reviews through to talent and career management.
- Lead activities under “Do More”, our global initiative to work with local charities & community projects in the cities we call home.
- Support managers on employee relations and performance management cases.
- Work with the central team on European/Global projects and rollouts.
We want to hear your ideas and get your input on how to design effective initiatives and deliver innovative solutions.
What we’re looking for:
- We are seeking a dynamic HR professional with a minimum of two years’ progressive experience across all areas of Human Resources within the hospitality sector.
- Pre-opening experience is highly advantageous, along with proven capability in managing high-volume recruitment in a fast-paced environment.
- You are culturally aware and globally minded, able to inspire teams in diverse, international environments.
- A strong working knowledge of employee relations, employment legislation, and performance management processes is essential.
- You are an excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams, leaders and ownership; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together.
What’s in it for you:
- The opportunity to launch a visionary hospitality brand in London and have a real impact on its success.
- Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
- The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
- Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and building a portfolio of brands.
- A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.
Director of People & Culture in London employer: Delano Hotels
Delano Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Executive Chef to shape the culinary identity of a prestigious brand in the vibrant city of London. With a focus on luxury dining, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values creativity and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees benefit from working in a dynamic environment that embraces Mediterranean cuisine, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for People & Culture! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision for creating an inclusive and engaging workplace. Let them see how your ideas align with their brand values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle various HR scenarios, especially in a pre-opening context. Practice your responses so you can showcase your experience and strategic thinking confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Delano London. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People & Culture role. Highlight your experience in shaping company culture and managing talent, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your unique skills align with our vision!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about your achievements! Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented people strategies or improved team performance. This will help us understand the impact you can bring to Delano London.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and engage teams, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for hospitality and people management. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Delano Hotels
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Delano London's brand values and culture. Understand what makes them unique and how they plan to shape their identity in the hospitality sector. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Director of People & Culture, you'll need to think strategically. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented people strategies or initiatives that improved team performance. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building a high-performing team at Delano London.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you can foster engagement within the team. Prepare ideas for initiatives that promote inclusivity and empower staff. Discuss how you would keep the hotel culture alive and ensure that Delano's values are embedded in everyday practices.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in employee relations and performance management. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these situations, as this will showcase your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
