HR Director

Job description

Opening in 2026, The Standard, Lisbon marks our arrival in one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Located within the historic Palácio Santa Clara in Alfama, overlooking the river, the hotel blends heritage architecture with bold contemporary design. Anchored in food, music, art and culture, the property will feature 165 guestrooms, 24 apartments, vibrant dining and social spaces, spa, gym, event areas, terraces, gardens, pool deck and a rooftop bar set to become a neighbourhood destination. Rooted in Lisbon’s cultural heart, The Standard brings its playful, sophisticated and unexpected approach to hospitality to Portugal. As we enter pre-opening, we are seeking a HR Director who embodies our Anything but Standard ethos. The Role Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the Senior Executive and Corporate HR teams, you will lead the HR function for this new opening. As part of the senior pre-opening team, you will manage key HR projects including recruitment timelines, budgets, HR systems, policies and procedures to ensure a successful launch. Once operational, you will deliver a generalist HR and L&D service to over 180 employees, supported by an HR Coordinator and the HR Director, Lifestyle EAME. You will partner with department leaders, providing coaching and guidance across all people management matters. Responsibilities include leading end-to-end pre-opening recruitment, attraction strategies, senior-level interviews, contracting, onboarding and orientation. You will manage payroll administration, employee relations, and ensure compliance with Portuguese employment law and industry CBAs. You will also contribute to wider HR projects across The Standard brand. About You You have a minimum of 3+ years’ experience as an HR Director, Manager or Head of HR within a lifestyle or 4/5-star hotel in Portugal, with pre-opening experience an advantage. You bring strong knowledge of Portuguese employment law, industry CBAs and payroll requirements, including budgeting for staffing and payroll. You have broad experience across HR and L&D, strong project management, administration and IT skills, and hold a bachelor-level HR qualification or equivalent. Fluency in both Portuguese and English is essential, along with flexibility to support the business during the pre-opening period. All applicants must have the right to live and work in the European Union.

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