More than 500 new jobs are being created at the Fairmont Southampton, with opportunities for Bermudians available across every area of the resort, according to hotel executives.

The hunt for workers is the firm’s largest recruitment campaign in its history, with employees sought for nine departments in a move said to be in excess of $550 million.

However, despite this latest announcement, there is still no reopening date confirmed.

Employees are being sought for a workforce including opportunities in operational, technical and corporate functions plus finance, IT, sales, marketing and reservations and events. There are also jobs in food and beverage and others from engineering to golf workers.

More than 170 people have been employed so far, with many supporting Palmetto Beach Club, which successfully opened this summer, and almost 60 per cent of the its workforce is Bermudian.

Donna Harvey-Maybury, director of people and culture, said: “As we work towards building a robust team of 700 colleagues for the fully reopened Fairmont Southampton, the more than 500 vacancies we are launching represents an extraordinary next step,

“This campaign is about much more than numbers. It’s about creating meaningful careers, developing future leaders and building a team that truly reflects Bermuda.

“Whether someone is returning to hospitality, entering the industry for the first time, or bringing experience gained overseas back home, we want Bermudians to see the breadth of opportunity available to them at Fairmont Southampton.”

Meanwhile, Kiaran MacDonald, regional vice-president and general manager, added: “We are passionate about attracting and developing Bermuda leadership talent and are so proud of the Bermudians we have engaged to return from their international experiences to contribute to the success of the Palmetto Beach Club.”

The Fairmont Southampton is reported to have a target of almost 700 employees once the expansion is complete.

Once it is reopened the hotel will feature 593 redesigned guest rooms and suites, a collection of new and reimagined restaurants and bars, enhanced wellness facilities, refreshed meeting and event spaces, Turtle Hill Golf Club and an expanded portfolio of guest experiences for both international visitors and the local community.

The resort’s return began taking visible shape this summer with the successful opening of Palmetto Beach Club, the first guest-facing phase of the transformed complex.

• Those interested in applying can do so by visiting the Fairmont Southampton website