Director of People & Culture

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of People & Culture to join our Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq. In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive human resources strategies that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture. You will partner with executive leadership to align people initiatives with business objectives while championing employee engagement, talent development, and organizational excellence. • Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and standards aligned with local Iraqi labor laws, industry best practices, and organizational values • Lead talent acquisition and recruitment initiatives, including interviewing, assessing, and evaluating prospective employees at all organizational levels • Design and implement competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent while ensuring market competitiveness • Oversee payroll administration, benefits management, legal compliance, and employment law adherence across the organization • Conduct performance management reviews and provide coaching to address performance issues with professionalism and empathy • Develop and execute training and development programs that build employee capabilities and support career progression • Create and maintain succession plans for middle and senior management positions in collaboration with department heads and executive leadership • Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture through employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and social and recreational activities • Manage employee relations, including grievance resolution, disciplinary procedures, and labor organization communications with transparency and fairness • Ensure compliance with local health, safety, and occupational regulations specific to Baghdad and Iraq • Prepare and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and monthly reporting on talent and culture metrics • Participate in management meetings to review progress toward business plan goals and contribute to strategic planning • Act as an internal consultant, providing guidance on HR matters and supporting managers in resolving workplace challenges • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive HR matters and employee information • Lead the HR team through recruitment, selection, performance management, and continuous professional development • Minimum 5 years of management experience in Human Resources or related organizational development roles • Proven expertise in HR administration, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and performance management • Strong knowledge of Iraqi labor laws, occupational safety and health legislation, and local employment practices • Excellent communication, listening, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels • Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive, inclusive working environment • Strong analytical and data-driven mindset with ability to interpret HR metrics and trends • Exceptional time management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities • Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams • Self-driven, resilient, and adaptable to changing business needs • Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity • Ability to maintain complete professionalism and confidentiality in all HR matters • Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours when required **Domain Expertise:** • Strategic HR planning and organizational development • Talent acquisition and recruitment • Compensation and benefits administration • Performance management and employee development • Succession planning and leadership development • Employee engagement and culture building • Change management • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives • Budget management and financial acumen • Stakeholder management at executive level • Grievance and disciplinary management