People and Culture Manager

Company Description

Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage.

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities. Whether visiting for relaxation, celebration, or business, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and delivering the very best in 5-star luxury hospitality.

Your purpose will be:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic People & Culture Manager to join our pre opening team at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. As a key member of our People & Culture department, you will play a crucial role in shaping our organisational culture, driving employee engagement, and supporting our People and Learning and Development processes. No day will ever be the same, and flexibility and adaptability is a key element of the role, supporting our colleagues to "Make Special Happen!"

Job Description

• Supporting HOD's and the P&C team in employee lifecycle milestones, including recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention.
• Support performance management processes and provide guidance to managers on employee development.
• Support pro-active employee relations, addressing concerns and resolving conflicts in a fair and timely manner.
• Support the People and Culture Director to fulfil and reach the departments KPI's.
• Support the Learning and Development Manager in welcoming new colleagues to the business.
• Supporting a Luxury on-boarding experience that reflects the guest journey we aim to deliver.
• Working with accuracy and precision in reflection of brand values.
• Champion with the P&C Team Leading Quality Assurance, modelling and reflecting the highest in Luxury Hospitality Standards.
• Collaborate with the People and Culture team to develop strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Champion best practice, compliance, and company policies.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify and address organisational needs and challenges.
• Support diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more equitable workplace.
• Stay updated on HR trends and best practices, recommending and implementing improvements as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in a People & Culture or HR Manager role within a luxury hotel or hospitality environment.
• CIPD qualified, or significant professional experience as a HR Generalist.
• Proven track record in talent development, employee engagement, and performance management, driving measurable improvements in service culture and colleague experience.
• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Confident working with senior leaders, providing trusted HR partnership and guidance.
• Values attention to detail and delivers administrative precision. 
• Ability to engage, inspire, and support teams within a luxury service-led environment, balancing empathy with commercial awareness.
• Demonstrates impeccable professional conduct, discretion, and presentation, consistently upholding brand values, policies, and standards.

Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.

Additional Information

What is in it for you?

• Exclusive Discounts:
  • Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount
  • Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included)
  • 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants
• Colleague restaurant
• Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
• You will benefit from training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits including pension
• 28 days of holiday including public holidays
• Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
• And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people