Group Head of People & Development

Group Head Of People & Development

Imperial London Hotels Group

40 hours a week - ££ Negotiable ( According to Experience ) + Bonus & Benefits

Imperial London Hotels has been running hotels in Central London for over 180 years, currently operating seven 3 & 4-star hotels in the heart of Bloomsbury. Independent and family-owned, ILH has a unique heritage and culture that remains its foundation as it evolves and modernises. The portfolio includes The Royal National Hotel which remains UK largest hotel with over 1,600 rooms, The Bedford Hotel, The President Hotel, The Tavistock Hotel, The Morton Hotel and our newly acquired IHG Branded Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. Following a major refurbishment, The Imperial Hotel will open as ILH flagship 4* Deluxe Hotel in 2026.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Group Head of People & Development to shape and drive the vision, strategy, and execution of the People & Development Department at Imperial London Hotels Group.Include shaping and managing all aspects of the P&D division, such as benefits, recruitment and retention, internal communications, learning & development, performance management, diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant employment regulations.

This role will be responsible for leading an on-site team of HR, Recruitment & Training professionals (13 people), ensuring that all aspects of the group's P&D operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Reporting directly to the COO to provide direct support and strategic guidance to the COO and Owners on the People side. The role will also work closely with the strategy team to address organisational needs and challenges at a group level not just on the People side but across the whole company.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Owners, COO and Strategy Team to develop and implement strategic priorities and initiatives across the group.
• To further develop a framework which delivers a motivated and engaged workforce including recognition, reward and individual development.
• You will champion employee engagement, evaluating, identifying, and addressing engagement trends and measure successful implementation.
• Create and implement pathways for leadership and top talent development, and lead initiatives centered on succession planning, diversity, and inclusion.
• Continuously review the responsibilities of the HR department and make bold decisions when necessary and Update and review HR policies, procedures and guidelines and enforce organisation values.
• Contributing to long-term goals around business and people development, including succession planning, raising line manager capability.
• To promote the importance of effective people management, lead the process of embedding great people practice and continuously review productivity and employee development making recommendations for improvements.
• Give counsel and oversee complex employee relations issues such as grievance and disciplinary cases and manage difficult cases with professionalism.
• Interview senior hires where necessary.
• Co-ordinate remuneration policies and advise senior management on staff salaries in reference to external benchmarks.
• Ability to consistently navigate difficulties and obstacles associated with multi-location operations.
• Translate key data into an effective and commercially focused HR and people strategy, working with senior management and influencing them on the best course of action.
• Control the HR budget and report on current and future staffing costs and initiatives.
• Ensure legal compliance is met in all HR activities.
• Challenge the Strategy Team where appropriate and suggest alternative paths.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an HR Director or similar senior HR role, preferably within the Hospitality sector.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership and management skills with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Level 7 CIPD qualification