The Human Resources (HR) Manager role is a key pre-opening leadership position responsible for building the HR function for a hotel and wellness resort in Phuket. This role will take ownership of recruitment, legal compliance, HR operations, performance frameworks, and training delivery to support a successful grand opening and long-term people strategy.
Responsibilities
Recruitment
Lead end-to-end hiring aligned with the pre-opening timeline
Hire HODs first, followed by line staff
Manage agencies, candidate pipelines, and interviews
Support the hiring of senior roles, including ExCom and HOD positions
Build a talent pipeline and employer branding activities
Ensure structured onboarding and induction for new hires
Legal Compliance
Ensure compliance with Thai labour and immigration laws
Manage visas, work permits, and foreign staff ratios
Ensure job titles comply with Thai restrictions
Prepare compliant contracts with legal counsel
Maintain audit-ready HR documentation
Performance and Rewards
Set probation KPIs and performance targets
Design a property-specific performance review system
Benchmark salaries and benefits
Propose incentives and bonus structures
Learning and Development
Develop training aligned with the wellness concept
Conduct training needs analysis
Build succession and development plans
Run exit interviews and recommend improvements
HR Operations
Build HR systems, including policies, handbook, and job descriptions
Maintain employee records and HR documentation
Manage staff accommodation, if applicable
Track leave and report to Finance monthly
General
Provide monthly HR reports
Keep leadership informed of HR matters
Promote a positive, compliant, service-driven culture
Requirements
Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a standalone or independent HR Manager role
Experience in a non-chain or pre-opening environment is preferred
Proven experience leading HR functions from scratch, including building policies, systems, and frameworks without corporate support
Strong background in hospitality, wellness resorts, or service-led environments
Pre-opening experience is highly preferred
Demonstrated track record in high-volume recruitment and successful pre-opening hiring delivery
Deep knowledge of Thai labour law, immigration, and work permit regulations, including foreign employee compliance requirements
Experience managing HR compliance audits, contracts, and legal documentation
Proven capability in performance management, compensation structuring, and employee engagement strategies
Hands-on experience in training and development, including building induction and service culture programmes
Strong leadership skills and ability to operate independently with full ownership
Excellent stakeholder management skills, including owners, senior leadership, and external partners
High attention to detail with a strong compliance mindset
Ability to balance strategic HR and operational execution
Strong communication skills in Thai and English
About the company
A company in the hospitality and tourism industry with operations in Thailand. The organisation operates a hotel and wellness resort concept, combining accommodation, wellness, and food and beverage services within the local market.