Assistant Director of People & Culture

About the Role

We are looking for a collaborative and people-focused Assistant Director of People & Culture to join our luxury hospitality team based in Doha, Qatar. In this leadership role, you will work closely with the Director of People & Culture to develop and execute a people strategy that promotes organisational excellence, fosters an inclusive workplace environment, and enhances employee experience across every level.

This position requires a strong operational expertise in HR combined with a genuine enthusiasm for people, culture, and continuous improvement. Acting as a trusted advisor for leaders and employees alike, you will manage daily HR operations, ensure adherence to relevant labour laws and policies, and lead initiatives that encourage belonging, employee engagement, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of People & Culture to design, implement, and improve the company’s people-oriented strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Manage comprehensive HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, employee relations, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and exit procedures.
• Act as the primary consultant and escalation point for complex HR concerns involving employee relations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent local, regional, and national employment legislation and company policies, proactively updating practices in line with legal changes.
• Lead and nurture the People & Culture team to cultivate a high-performing, team-oriented, and development-focused culture.
• Develop and implement employee engagement programs, wellbeing initiatives, and culture-enhancement activities that reflect the company values and support retention efforts.
• Support workforce planning efforts including talent pipeline readiness, succession plans, and organizational design improvements.
• Analyze HR data and metrics to provide actionable insights, report to senior management, and guide data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee the integrity, confidentiality, and enhancement of HR information systems (HRIS) to optimize HR processes.
• Work cross-departmentally with leaders to understand business needs and deliver proactive, solutions-driven HR support.
• Lead and assist with HR projects and organizational change efforts ensuring effective communication and smooth transitions.
• Contribute to the creation and delivery of management development programs focusing on building capable and inclusive leadership practices.
• Advocate and implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives within all HR policies, processes, and cultural activities to guarantee fair outcomes for all employees.
• Manage HR budgets and vendor relationships, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and cost efficiency.
• Stay informed of HR industry trends and emerging best practices to continuously advance the People & Culture function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organisational Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Certification in HR such as CIPD (Level 7 or equivalent), SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or recognized regional equivalents.
• At least 6 to 8 years of progressive experience in human resources, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior or managerial position, preferably within luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and best practices throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Proven capability leading and developing HR teams with effective coaching and mentorship skills.
• Track record of contributing to or directing HR strategies and successfully executing them at an organizational level.
• Experience managing sensitive and complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and confidentiality.
• Skilled in analyzing HR data to spot trends and communicate insights clearly with practical recommendations.
• Proficiency with HRIS tools, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with applicant tracking systems and performance management software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills fostering trust and credibility across all organizational levels.
• Highly organized with the ability to balance multiple priorities efficiently in a fast-moving, people-centric environment.
• Strong commitment to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in multi-property, multi-brand, or international luxury hospitality settings.
• Familiarity with hotel pre-opening procedures or large organizational launches.
• Knowledge of total rewards strategies including compensation analysis and benefits design.
• Background in employer branding and talent acquisition strategies.
• Additional language skills relevant to the operating region.
• Experience with change management frameworks and organizational development approaches.
• Exposure to HR technology rollouts or system migrations.
• Active involvement in professional HR networks or industry thought leadership communities.