The new Autograph Collection, resort at Quinta do Mar – Sintra is a luxurious 89-bedroom retreat part of the Marriott brand portfolio and set within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Sintra on Portugal's dramatic Atlantic coastline. Spanning 14 beautifully restored buildings set amongst landscaped gardens, the resort blends exceptional wellness experiences, inspiring meeting facilities and distinctive food and beverage concepts within one of Portugal's most captivating natural settings. Surrounded by ancient woodland, dramatic coastline and centuries of history, Quinta do Mar draws inspiration from the timeless wonder, rich heritage and quiet mysticism that have captivated travellers for generations. More than a hotel, it is a place to disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with nature and create unforgettable moments — a place to breathe, reflect, recover and indulge.
Opening is planned for Q1 2027.
We are seeking an experienced People & Culture Manager to join the pre-opening leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, talent strategy and employee experience of this exceptional new resort. This is a unique opportunity to build a luxury hotel team from the ground up and help bring one of Portugal's most exciting new Marriott destinations to life. Previous Marriott experience would be advantageous.
Vertiq Hospitality Partners has been appointed by the ownership to manage this unique property. Formerly known as Cycas Hospitality, Vertiq is one of Europe's leading hospitality management companies, operating hotels across multiple international brands with a vision "to be the trusted operating partner in European hospitality investments."
As People & Culture Manager, you will be a trusted business partner to the General Manager and leadership team, responsible for building an engaging, high-performing workplace culture from pre-opening through launch and beyond.
You will combine excellent commercial awareness with deep employment law expertise, ensuring the hotel attracts, develops and retains exceptional talent while delivering an outstanding employee experience in line with Marriott brand standards.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management or a related field.
- Minimum of five years' progressive HR experience, ideally within hotels or hospitality.
- Experience partnering with senior management and departmental leaders.
- Strong knowledge of Portuguese employment law and HR best practice.
- Previous hotel pre-opening experience would be highly advantageous.
- Previous Marriott experience would be advantageous.
- Excellent communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluent in Portuguese and English.
- Competitive salary package.
- Performance-based bonus scheme.
- The opportunity to join the pre-opening leadership team of a luxury Autograph Collection resort.
- Marriott Associate Travel Programme with discounted accommodation worldwide.
- Exclusive employee discounted rates across other Vertiq Hospitality Partners managed properties.
- Reward and Recognition Programme.
- Professional development opportunities within Vertiq Hospitality Partners.
- Develop and implement the hotel's People & Culture strategy to support a successful opening.
- Lead the recruitment, onboarding and mobilisation of the opening team.
- Coordinate orientation, induction and Marriott training programmes.
- Establish all People & Culture policies, procedures and HR systems before opening.
- Deliver the Hotel People Plan in line with business goals, Marriott standards and budget requirements.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and leadership team on all people matters.
- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes.
- Promote the employer brand through career fairs, networking and local initiatives.
- Manage employee records, onboarding, work permits and HR systems.
- Ensure HR policies, procedures and best practice are consistently applied.
- Oversee payroll, absence management, salary reviews, probation processes and legal compliance.
- Manage the annual training plan and Marriott training requirements.
- Drive participation in recognition and reward programmes.
- Support bonus and compensation processes.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives and staff surveys.
- Foster a culture reflecting Marriott's values and the unique identity of Quinta do Mar.
- Lead risk assessment actions and ensure compliance with Portuguese employment law, collective agreements and health and safety requirements.
