Global Talent And Development Director

Department: Human Resources & Training

Location: United Arab Emirates - Dubai

Description

At Kempinski, we don't just offer stays; we curate moments. As a hospitality organization, anchored in a legacy of elegance and a pioneering spirit, we have grown into a collection of iconic hotels and resorts around the world, each a landmark in its own right. From grand palaces steeped in history to contemporary masterpieces of design, Kempinski is where impeccable service meets authentic local experiences.

We empower our people to be artisans of hospitality, fostering an environment where passion is nurtured, individuality is celebrated, and every detail is thoughtfully considered. Joining Kempinski means becoming part of a family that is dedicated to creating memories that last a lifetime for our guests, and a fulfilling and enriching career for our team.

If you are driven by excellence, inspired by the art of hospitality, and seek to contribute to a legacy of luxury, we invite you to explore the exceptional opportunities that await you at Kempinski Hotels. Come, be a part of our story.

Key Responsibilities

At Kempinski, The Good Life is not just a brand positioning; it is an experience of joy, authenticity, and human warmth. We are looking for a visionary Talent & Development leader to act as the architect of our future leadership. In this role, you will not just recruit or develop our next generation of Hotel General Managers; you will identify and nurture the cultural curators who will embody our European heritage and elevate the Kempinski 2.0 vision.

Strategic Talent Scouting & 360° Market Mapping

• External Intelligence: Build a proactive 360° market map of high-potential General Managers. You will function as a talent scout, developing a CRM-style, long-term relationship strategy to ensure we are the employer of choice for the next generation of GMs able to fuel our needs for over the next five years.
• Brand Ambassadorship: Represent Kempinski at major industry events and high-level forums, acting as a custodian of our brand identity and a magnet for top-tier leadership talent.

Full-Cycle Acquisition & Stakeholder Harmony

• End-to-End Recruitment: Lead the entire GM recruitment process, from initial vetting to offer finalization.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Orchestrate the recruitment journey in close partnership with Regional SVPs, Corporate leadership, and, crucially, our hotel owners. You will act as the trusted advisor, ensuring the perfect match between property needs and leader profile.

GM Excellence & Community Leadership

• Program Ownership: Supervise and evolve the GM Excellence Development Program. You are responsible for the ongoing learning ecosystem, including training, co-development circles, and mentorship.
• Community Animation: Cultivate a vibrant global GM community. Work hand-in-hand with HR Regionals and Operations heads to foster a culture of shared knowledge, peer support, and active engagement with the Kempinski 2.0 strategy.
• Alumni & Integration: Manage the GM Alumni network to maintain long-term institutional ties and oversee the critical integration phase for newly appointed GMs to ensure immediate impact and alignment with the Great GM Success Profile.

Strategic Succession & People Review

• Internal Mobility: Lead the annual People Review process, with a focus on internal rotation. Identify high-potential successors and craft personalized development paths to ensure a seamless transition between Hotel Manager and General Manager roles.
• Future-Proofing: Design and execute succession plans for critical properties, mitigating leadership risk and fostering a diverse, sustainable pipeline.

Global Talent Support

• Strategic Initiatives: Lead the evolution of global talent initiatives, including Hotel HOD development plans, internal mobility fairs, and functional upskilling programs to ensure a future-ready talent pipeline.
• Operational Partnership: Act as a central talent partner for new hotel openings and drive global referral programs to ensure seamless leadership staffing and organisational growth.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Hospitality Expertise: You possess a deep, demonstrable background in Talent Management within the luxury hospitality sector. You understand the nuances of the GM role and what it takes to succeed in an ultra-luxury environment.
• Strategic Capability: You have a proven track record of managing complex talent landscapes and executing long-term succession strategies.
• Taste for Excellence: You have an innate drive for quality and a refined attention to detail, consistently striving to elevate standards and deliver exceptional results within a luxury context.

The Mindset

• Influencer & Diplomat: You are comfortable and effective engaging with Senior Leadership, ExCo members, and hotel owners. You possess the gravitas to navigate complex political environments and the ability to influence without formal authority.
• Trust Builder: You value longevity. You are looking for a role where you can build deep, multi-year relationships, creating the kind of psychological safety and trust necessary for true leadership development.
• Autonomy & Synergy: You are a self-starter who thrives on autonomy but understands that our success is built on collaboration. You enjoy working across regions, bridging the gap between property realities and corporate strategy.
• Communicator: Your communication style is clear, inspiring, and culturally agile—reflecting the sophisticated, global nature of the Kempinski family.

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