Director of People & Culture

The Hoxton is setting up for a major milestone moment as we prepare to open our very first hotel in Australia in the vibrant cultural city of Melbourne. Renowned for its world-class coffee culture, diverse dining, creative and visual arts scenes and being the sports capital of Australia, Melbourne and our new neighbourhood of Cremorne is the perfect home for The Hoxton.

The Hoxton will be part of the historic Matchworks Precinct and will feature 198 guest rooms in the classic Hoxton categories and three exciting food and beverage outlets: The Hoxton’s lobby bar, a destination restaurant with East Asian concept and a speciality bar.

Other features include The Apartment, the brand’s signature meetings & event concept, and a gym for those looking to continue their wellness journey in their home away from home.

We are now looking for a Director of People & Culture to help us bring this beloved brand to life in partnership with the local creative community.

What you’ll do…

• Build the People & Culture function from scratch – policies, contracts, systems and the whole employee experience.
• Lead a high-volume pre-opening recruitment campaign and make The Hoxton a name Melbourne hospitality talent wants to work for.
• Be a true partner to the business on anything to do with looking after their teams.
• Keep us compliant with the Fair Work Act, the NES, the Award or any enterprise agreement, and Victorian long service leave – with wage compliance treated as a first-order risk.
• Keep the culture alive – embed The Hoxton values, drive talent and development, own our OH&S and wellbeing obligations, and lead our Do More community work.

What we’re looking for…

Individuals. You’re looking for a place where you can be you; no clones in suits here. You leave your ego at the door, you’re up for doing things differently, and you want to be part of a team that works hard, supports each other and has fun along the way.

• Solid generalist HR experience in hospitality, at a senior level, with the credibility to advise a leadership team.
• Hotel pre-opening experience is a big plus; you’re comfortable recruiting at volume against a fixed date.
• Strong, current, practical knowledge of Australian employment law and award interpretation – non-negotiable.
• Confident handling employee relations, performance and Fair Work matters.
• Passionate about bringing out the best in people, and full of ideas you want to try.

What’s in it for you…

• The chance to open the first Hoxton in Australia – a genuine once-in-a-career project.
• Peep, our Ennismore team perks platform – discounted stays and dining across The Hoxton, Ennismore and the wider Accor family, plus everyday lifestyle offers.
• Four weeks’ annual leave plus Victorian public holidays, and super on top.
• Food on us during your shift, and a free night at The Hoxton with a meal for two when you start.
• Training and ongoing development that sets you up to think, make and thrive.
• Hox Hero and Nifty Fifty rewards, paid time off to volunteer with our partner charities, and regular team get togethers – from High Fives to our (pretty special!) team parties.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia. We’re an equal opportunity employer – tell us if you need any adjustments to the process.