Director of People and Culture

About the Company and Location

Darwin, Northern Territory, famous for breathtaking harbour sunsets, vibrant markets, lively dining and bar venues, and proximity to iconic natural sites like Kakadu and Litchfield, offers a unique lifestyle where career and personal life harmoniously blend. In this tropical city, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis resorts at the Darwin Airport are undergoing a significant $25 million renovation by Airport Development Group to become a world-class hospitality destination featuring upgraded accommodations, dining, event spaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens reflecting the Top End spirit. Being part of Accor's global network of over 5,700 hotels in 110 countries, the resorts foster a culture centered on responsible hospitality and connecting cultures with genuine care.

Role Overview

The role presents a chance to meaningfully influence the employee experience and culture of this dynamic resort group. The Director of People and Culture will serve as a strategic partner and advisor to department heads across the three properties, providing coaching in operational and workforce matters. Supported by a People & Culture Coordinator and the General Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of human resources strategies aligned with the resort’s values and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive People & Culture strategy that nurtures the Heartist culture and empowers department managers.
• Direct recruitment and talent retention activities ensuring alignment with operational requirements and Accor’s workforce guidelines.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the People & Culture Coordinator to enhance their ability to support daily HR functions.
• Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, organizational structure, and resourcing needs.
• Ensure consistent completion of staff inductions, on-the-job training, and probation assessments resort-wide.
• Coach frontline supervisors and managers on managing performance, workplace relations, and tackling challenging conversations effectively.
• Handle employee and industrial relations issues sensitively and proactively, maintaining thorough documentation.
• Analyze Employee Engagement Survey outcomes and implement targeted initiatives for continuous improvement across properties.
• Manage programs relating to employee recognition, wellbeing, talent development, and leadership growth.
• Oversee compliance training, ensure accurate maintenance of training records across all hotels, and produce monthly P&C reports in line with regional guidelines.
• Contribute to the Annual Business Plan and budgeting processes for the P&C function across the resort.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related field is preferred.
• Between three to five years’ experience in a People & Culture role, ideally within hospitality or managing multiple sites.
• Proven expertise in conducting complex employee relations investigations and interpreting Modern Awards.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with ability to cultivate relationships across various stakeholders and brands.
• Exemplary personal integrity, adaptability, and a strong capacity to guide teams through change.
• Applicants must have full working rights in Australia; sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Additional Information and Benefits

At Accor, hospitality is viewed as a heartfelt craft. Employees are empowered to shape their career paths, grow with purpose, and feel truly valued. This role offers extensive opportunities to impact culture within a resort of substantial size.

Benefits include access to global discounts on accommodations and food & beverage, targeted learning and development programs, and recognition for service milestones with Accor.

The company is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to support candidates as needed.