At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy for IHG's UK & Ireland hotels, driving performance and engagement.
- Company: Join one of the world's most recognised hospitality companies with a strong people focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead transformational initiatives and partner with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality HR and influence thousands of colleagues across a vast portfolio.
- Qualifications: Significant senior HR leadership experience in a customer-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Description
The Opportunity
As HR Director, UK & Ireland Hotels, you will be the senior strategic people leader for one of IHG's most significant markets.
In this role, you’ll lead the HR strategy for IHG’s UK & Ireland division, partnering closely with the UK & Ireland Managing Director and leadership team.
You’ll work across both the managed and leased estate, while also partnering with owners and third-party management companies across our franchised hotels to protect the IHG brand and support a consistent, compliant colleague experience.
This is a highly visible role that combines strategic leadership, commercial influence and operational excellence.
You'll play a leading role in shaping workforce strategy, organisational effectiveness, leadership capability, talent development and employee engagement whilst helping the business navigate a rapidly evolving employment and technology landscape.
- What You'll Be Responsible For
- Driving Business Performance Through People
- Partner with the UK & Ireland Managing Director and leadership team to shape and deliver the people strategy for the division.
- Influence organisational effectiveness, workforce planning and leadership capability across a complex portfolio of hotels.
- Coach and challenge senior stakeholders to drive performance, engagement and talent outcomes.
- Leading a High-Performing HR Function
- Lead and develop a team of 35 HR, Learning & Development and Talent professionals.
- Drive succession planning, talent development and performance management across the division.
- Create an environment where colleagues can perform at their best and grow their careers.
- Partnering Across a Diverse Hotel Estate
- Build trusted relationships with hotel owners, franchisees and third-party management companies.
- Support the delivery of a consistent and compliant colleague experience across more than 380 franchised hotels.
- Represent IHG externally with industry bodies, trade associations and relevant stakeholder groups.
- Shaping the Future of Hospitality HR
- Lead the people implications of major business and organisational change initiatives.
- Ensure readiness for evolving employment legislation and changing workforce expectations.
- Support the continued evolution of HR technology, digital transformation and the application of AI to improve colleague and business outcomes.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a commercially minded HR leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution.
You'll likely bring
- Significant senior HR leadership experience within a large, complex and customer-focused environment such as hospitality, retail, leisure, travel, FMCG or a similarly people-intensive sector.
- A proven track record of partnering with Executive and Senior Leadership teams to deliver measurable business outcomes.
- Experience leading large HR teams and developing high-performing talent functions.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including influencing senior external partners, owners, franchisees or third-party operators.
- Deep expertise in employment law, employee relations, organisational design and change leadership.
- Experience leading people strategies across multi-site operations.
- Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building capabilities.
- Flexibility to travel regularly throughout the UK & Ireland.
- What Makes This Role Different
This is a rare opportunity to lead people strategy at scale, with the chance to influence thousands of colleagues across one of the UK & Ireland’s largest hotel portfolios.
You'll have the opportunity to
- Shape the people agenda across the UK & Ireland for one of the world’s most recognised hospitality companies.
- Influence the employee experience across more than 400 hotels.
- Partner with a broad network of owners, operators and business leaders.
- Lead transformational initiatives across talent, culture, technology and organisational effectiveness.
- Play a key role in defining the future of hospitality employment in the UK & Ireland.
- Closing Date for applications: 19 th
- August 2026
- #LI-KW1
- #LI-HYBRID
HR Operations Director UK&I employer: IHG
At IHG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture at Kimpton Charlotte Square in the heart of Edinburgh. As a Room Attendant, you will not only enjoy competitive pay and generous discounts but also benefit from extensive training opportunities that foster personal and professional growth, all while contributing to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Director UK&I
✨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 IHG!
✨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 IHG.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Director UK&I
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 IHG. 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 IHG 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 IHG. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to IHG'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 IHG
✨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 IHG.
✨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 IHG 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 IHG and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
