Name: Saule S.
Position: Director of Talent Acquisition
Hotel: The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
Dream destination: I would love to visit Japan very soon. I am fascinated by its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
Drink or treat of choice: A glass of champagne to celebrate my journey with Marriott!
“Routine” and “staying still” are not in Saule’s dictionary. This talent acquisition expert always dreamed of traveling outside her native Kazakhstan and learning as much she could, and she found that in Marriott.
Saule started her Marriott career 18 years ago as a Director of Human Resources at the Renaissance Atyrau Hotel in Kazakhstan before it opened its doors to guests, and from day one, she knew that the thrill and excitement of being part of a pre-opening team were for her. “I love the new culture, and the pre-opening energy and teamwork,” she says. “I understood that this was for me, it was my mission.”
Having been part of five pre-opening teams in the Middle East, Saule is now a seasoned expert in building culture and teams from scratch. “I love building and creating a strong team from zero, establishing standards, engaging associates, and educating and empowering them. Every opening is different, and I love to learn new things, experience new cultures, create high standards, meet new people and their working styles, and make a difference. I love it!”
After taking a year off work and following her husband to live overseas, Saule missed “the excitement and the people” so much she came back to Marriott, joining the HR Operations team at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Muscat, Oman. After only a year in that role she was invited to join the pre-opening team of the new St. Regis Al Mouj Resort in Muscat, where she now leads the HR and hiring efforts.
Below, read more about Saule’s life as a Talent Acquisition expert and her nearly two decades’ worth of experience in team building.
What does a Director of Talent Acquisition actually do?
My main responsibility is to recruit more than 300 staff, train them, and engage them with the St. Regis brand. I also oversee the development and implementation of HR strategies and initiatives to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Also, I work closely with department heads to ensure that all employees receive the necessary training and support to excel at their roles. My role is crucial in shaping the culture and success of the resort.
After being part of so many pre-opening teams, what are your key-learnings?
- Overcoming challenges, making mistakes, and learning from them, is part of the process, and it will make us stronger and smarter.
- Choose your people with fairness, and a keen willingness to learn and grow.
- Never be afraid to hire people stronger than you. It’s important to have a clear vision and communicate it effectively to the team.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is to use my energy and experience to open new hotels, and to educate, engage and mentor people. I already have grandsons but every day I feel 25 years old in my heart because of the people around me. I love seeing the growth and development of my team members, and the sense of accomplishment when we work together to create a successful and thriving hotel. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
A big part of your job is creating culture. How would you describe Marriott’s culture?
Marriott’s culture is very close to my personality: put people first, take care of them, respect them, and allow them to learn and grow. It doesn’t matter where you are from, or what kind of education you have – you will be an important person in our team. Marriott encourages diversity and inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member brings. The company also promotes a strong sense of community and teamwork, where everyone is empowered to contribute and make a difference. Marriott’s culture is one of support, respect, and opportunity for personal and professional development.
What advice do you have for those interested in working at new hotels, and being a part of pre-opening teams?
Be ready for challenges, hard work, and unexpected surprises, but do not forget to have fun, enjoy the moment, and be happy. Be easygoing, open-minded, patient, and adapt to situations.
Being part of a pre-opening team is a unique experience that requires flexibility and resilience. It’s important to communicate effectively with your team members, and to be willing to take on new responsibilities and tasks as they arise. Embrace the opportunity to contribute your ideas and creativity to the hotel’s development and be prepared to work closely with different departments and stakeholders. Most importantly, remember that being part of a pre-opening team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future success of the hotel.
What are some skills that you think are required to join a pre-opening team?
Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude. You need to be able to think on your feet, problem-solve, and work together to create a successful opening.
What’s the best part of working at Marriott?
Learning and traveling. During my journey with Marriott, I’ve gotten the opportunity to learn from different cultures, meet amazing people, and develop my skills in HR. The support and encouragement from the team at Marriott and St. Regis has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the growth and experiences I have had with the company.
How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?
The Marriott Explore Rate is especially good in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). The discount allows us to experience the hospitality and luxury that Marriott offers at a more affordable price. I’ve used it to visit various Marriott properties in the region and have always been impressed with the quality of service and accommodation. It’s truly a fantastic perk of working for Marriott!
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