At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead talent and culture initiatives, shaping a people-first philosophy at Raffles London.
- Company: Join Raffles London, a luxury hotel known for glamour and exceptional guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, a 20% annual bonus, and extensive employee perks.
- Other info: This is a 12-month maternity cover role with opportunities for global career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious brand, fostering a vibrant culture and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR leadership, strategic planning, and a passion for people development required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Raffles London at The OWO on London's Whitehall, unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world's most historic addresses. This fine Grade II* Edwardian building has been transformed into a spectacular stage for dazzling celebrations; with fine dining, lively bars, the latest in wellness and beauty therapies, the most luxurious suites and rooms, versatile ballroom and event space. Within these much-storied walls, where legendary statesmen and women once shaped the modern world, guests are now invited to discover new and inspiring emotions and connections. At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family.
As the Director of Talent & Culture on a 12 month maternity cover contract, you will be a strategic partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee, leading all aspects of the talent and culture function. You will champion a people-first philosophy, foster a values-driven culture, and ensure the hotel attracts, develops, and retains top-tier talent in alignment with the Raffles brand standards.
Key Responsibilities- People Strategy & Organizational Leadership: Serve as a strategic advisor to the General Manager and Executive Committee, shaping and executing a forward-thinking talent and culture agenda that supports long-term business growth, brand positioning, and organizational resilience.
- Workforce Planning & Talent Optimization: Lead enterprise-level workforce planning, organizational design, and capability development to ensure the hotel is structured for operational excellence and future scalability.
- Leadership Development & Succession Management: Architect a high-impact leadership development framework, identifying and accelerating internal talent pipelines to ensure continuity in critical roles and sustained leadership excellence across all levels.
- Culture Transformation & Engagement: Champion the evolution of a purpose-driven, values-led culture. Design and implement engagement strategies that drive team alignment, accountability, and belonging, enhancing both employee experience and brand advocacy.
- Brand-Aligned Talent Acquisition: Oversee a talent acquisition strategy that attracts exceptional, brand-aligned professionals. Elevate employer branding to position Raffles as an employer of choice in the global luxury hospitality market.
- Performance Architecture & Recognition: Embed a performance philosophy rooted in excellence, feedback, and recognition. Evolve performance management systems to align individual goals with hotel-wide strategic priorities and brand standards.
- Global HR Governance & Compliance: Ensure full alignment with international labor regulations, corporate policies, and ethical business practices. Anticipate emerging risks and proactively lead change management efforts to uphold operational integrity.
- Sustainability, Wellbeing & Inclusion: Integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability into the people strategy to ensure a holistic, future-focused approach to organizational health and social responsibility.
Why join our Raffles team? Not only will you be joining one of the world's best hotels you will also receive great benefits including:
- 31 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 Days).
- 20% annual bonus.
- Staff meals whilst on duty.
- Free dry cleaning for uniform.
- Employer pension contribution of 9%.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Life Assurance 3x salary.
- Family Bupa healthcare and Solo Dental care plans.
- Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice.
- Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
- Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions.
- Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice.
- Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you.
- Fun-filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party.
- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
- Worldwide development opportunities across Accor's extensive brand portfolio.
What are the Raffles Values?
- Be You: Be creative, innovative, and enthusiastic, showing your personality and flair.
- Be Kind: Demonstrates humility and generosity through emotional connection with colleagues and guests.
- Be Happy: Consistently uplifting colleagues and guests through a joyful connection and positive personality.
- Be Confident: Openly shares knowledge and skills with other colleagues to achieve excellence.
- Have Your Purpose: Demonstrating care and responsibility within your role, to make a tangible impact on the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Talent and Culture (12 Month Maternity cover) - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Raffles' values and culture. Understanding their commitment to a people-first philosophy and how they foster a values-driven environment will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the luxury hospitality sector. Attend industry events or connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into current trends and challenges in talent and culture management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as leadership development and culture transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of global HR governance and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure alignment with international labour regulations and ethical practices in your role at Raffles.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Talent and Culture (12 Month Maternity cover) - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Talent and Culture position. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in talent management, culture transformation, and leadership development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to foster a people-first philosophy and drive engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the hospitality industry and your understanding of Raffles' values. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of creating a values-driven culture and attracting top-tier talent.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how it aligns with the role's requirements. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed change, and developed talent in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨Understand the Raffles Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Raffles: Be You, Be Kind, Be Happy, Be Confident, and Have Your Purpose. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are crucial to the company culture.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Director of Talent and Culture, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Be ready to discuss your approach to workforce planning, leadership development, and culture transformation. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully implemented similar strategies in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and cultural fit. Think about challenges you've faced in talent acquisition or employee engagement and how you overcame them. This will show your ability to handle real-life situations effectively.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the job description, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas. Share initiatives you've led or participated in that promote a diverse workplace and how they align with the holistic approach to organisational health.
