Director of Human Resources - Pre Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah, Riyadh

Set within the historic landscape of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah represents an extraordinary addition to one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hospitality brands. Combining the rich heritage of this UNESCO-recognised destination with contemporary sophistication and legendary service, the property is poised to redefine luxury hospitality in Riyadh.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Human Resources to join the Executive Committee and play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, talent, and leadership capability of this flagship destination. This is a unique opportunity to influence the success of a landmark hotel while contributing to the continued growth of The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International in the region.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, with a functional reporting relationship to the Regional Senior Director of Human Resources, the Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to the hotel’s leadership team.

As a member of the Executive Committee, you will lead the development and execution of a people strategy that aligns with both property and brand objectives. You will oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession management, associate engagement, performance development, compensation strategy, and organisational effectiveness.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring the ability to balance business priorities with a people-first approach, ensuring the hotel attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while fostering an engaging and inclusive workplace culture.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Human Resources strategy aligned with property goals, brand priorities, and business objectives.


• Lead talent acquisition, workforce planning, succession management, and leadership pipeline development across the hotel.


• Champion associate engagement initiatives, including survey action planning, recognition programmes, and culture-building activities.


• Partner with department leaders to strengthen performance management, coaching, learning, and career development practices.


• Drive staffing optimisation and recruitment strategies that support operational excellence and future growth.


• Lead compensation and benefits initiatives, ensuring competitiveness, internal equity, and alignment with organisational priorities.


• Serve as a key change leader for organisational and people-related initiatives, supporting successful adoption and execution.


• Build strong relationships with ownership representatives, regional HR leaders, and key stakeholders, providing meaningful insights on talent, retention, and workforce performance.

The successful candidate will be an inspirational and commercially minded HR leader with a passion for luxury hospitality and a proven ability to create high-performing cultures.

You will bring:

• A collaborative and influential leadership style with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.


• Experience leading Human Resources within a luxury hotel, resort, or complex hospitality environment.


• Strong expertise across talent acquisition, employee relations, succession planning, compensation, and organisational development.


• Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to translate business priorities into people strategies that deliver measurable results.


• A genuine commitment to associate development, engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion.


• Experience leading change, developing future leaders, and building sustainable talent pipelines.


• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, together with relevant professional experience within Human Resources or hospitality operations.

At Marriott International, we believe our associates are the foundation of our success. Joining The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah means becoming part of a global organisation renowned for excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

In return, you will benefit from:

• Access to unparalleled global career opportunities across Marriott International’s world-class portfolio of brands.


• A strong commitment to learning, development, and leadership growth.


• The opportunity to shape the culture and success of a landmark luxury hotel.


• Exposure to a global network of hospitality professionals and industry-leading practices.


• The chance to make a meaningful impact within one of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands.

For leaders who are passionate about people, inspired by luxury hospitality, and motivated by the opportunity to shape an exceptional workplace culture, this role offers a rare career-defining opportunity.

Join The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah and help create an environment where exceptional talent thrives, remarkable careers are built, and legendary guest experiences begin with extraordinary people.