HR Director

About the Role and Company

Join the Sani/Ikos Group as an HR Director based in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal, working onsite on a permanent contract. This role is ideal for those seeking meaningful purpose beyond just another job and who are passionate about hospitality excellence. As the Group grows with frequent new Resort openings, they maintain a mission to create the Magic of togetherness and establish themselves as the World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort™.

The company offers a stable, supportive, and sustainable environment where you can advance your hospitality career, acquire unique skills, and foster personal and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all HR functions across the resort to ensure they align with company goals, standards, and operational priorities.
• Optimize and continuously enhance HR processes throughout the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, administration, payroll, learning & development, and offboarding.
• Oversee recruitment progress and ensure timely payroll administration with adherence to Portuguese labor laws.
• Serve as the primary HR liaison for union relationships, handling negotiations and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining and labor regulations.
• Guide managers on employee relations, dispute resolution, and disciplinary actions.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing HR team focused on a collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Deploy talent mapping, succession planning, and development initiatives to boost employee engagement, retention, learning, and career growth.
• Act as a strategic business partner supporting top leadership and departmental heads with workforce planning and organizational effectiveness.
• Drive HR projects and digital initiatives to improve operational efficiency, data accuracy, and employee experience using HR systems and automation tools.
• Analyze and report on HR metrics such as turnover, absenteeism, engagement, and productivity, using data-driven insights to inform decisions.
• Address unique hospitality workforce challenges and support a luxury all-inclusive seasonal resort environment by implementing HR best practices that promote operational excellence and employer branding.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related discipline; a Master’s or postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, including 5+ years in senior HR leadership within luxury hospitality resorts or hotel settings.
• Comprehensive experience managing hotel/resort HR operations, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, talent development, and workforce planning.
• In-depth knowledge of Portuguese labor laws and union relations, including experience with collective bargaining and union negotiations.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and develop high-performing HR teams in fast-paced, operational environments.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and execution skills paired with outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Advanced analytical capability to convert HR data into business insights and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR Management systems.
• Fluent in English; Spanish language skills considered a plus.

Employee Benefits and Culture

• Belong to a company dedicated to its people, community, and environmental responsibility.
• Access ample opportunities for professional development, career growth, and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including private health insurance.
• Flexible working arrangements.