At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture strategy and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Delano London, a visionary hospitality brand set to open in 2026.
- Benefits: Competitive package, development opportunities, and a chance to shape a unique culture.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative, fast-growing international group committed to excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a luxury hotel experience in a prestigious location.
- Qualifications: Dynamic HR professional with hospitality experience and strong relationship-building 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 employer: Delano
Delano London offers an exceptional opportunity for the Director of People & Culture to shape a distinctive workplace culture in a luxury hotel setting. With a commitment to employee development, a focus on inclusivity, and the chance to launch a visionary brand in one of London's most prestigious locations, this role promises a rewarding career path within a dynamic and innovative hospitality group. Join a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable experiences while enjoying competitive benefits and growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Delano!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Delano.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Delano. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Delano and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Delano. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Delano's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Delano
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Delano.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Delano will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Delano and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
