Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com.

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for staffing qualified personnel; ensuring employment statute compliance; overseeing all aspects of wage, benefit, labor laws; training program direction, implementation and administration; and employee relations coaching, counseling and discipline.

Fundamental Requirements:

• Direct and supervise Human Resources staff if applicable.
• Prepare and maintain Human Resources budget.
• Maintain thorough and current knowledge of all Human Resources/employee regulations and laws, and ensure that the property is in compliance.
• Participate in any labor hearings. Implement policies and programs to guarantee compliance.
• Communicate new policies, information, and directives to all employees.
• Instruct staff in interpretation of HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure staffs compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and monitor recruitment, screening and reference checking of all non-exempt personnel.
• Recruit, interview and recommend all exempt personnel.
• Maintain employee benefits programs.
• Set up, approve, and maintain all wage and salary programs, including performance evaluations.
• Recommend and/or approve all employee transitions, i.e. new hire, transfer, promotion, etc.
• Maintain open door policy.
• Monitor and analyze turnover statistics.
• Conduct training classes.
• Update and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in and monitor safety committee in compliance with Loss Prevention SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with all HR related Loss Prevention SOPs.
• Establish and maintain safety incentive program.
• Become a certified trainer in all current HR training modules.
• Participate in and monitor effectiveness of Highgate Hotel Enrichment committee.
• Maintain Make your Mark (Employee of Month/Year) program.
• Practice positive employee relations, including coaching, counseling & discipline.
• Develop and maintain no cost benefit programs.
• Monitor Service Standards by Position training program.
• Participate in and monitor orientation programs.
• Develop managers for future advancement.
• Ensure managers are using coaching, counseling and discipline to address issues/concerns.
• Ensure Associate Opinion Survey is completed by all employees.
• Condense and expedite paperwork, develop internal communications, improve record keeping.
• Implement and maintain Talent Keepers, the associate engagement platform.
• Plan and edit employee newsletter.
• Manage all personnel files.
• Manage resume and application files.
• Develop and monitor recruitment resources.

Education & Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience in a hotel or a related industry; or a 4-year college degree and at least 2 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and 3 or more years of related experience.
• Previous supervisory responsibility required.
• College course work in related field helpful
• Familiarity with and knowledge of employment laws required.

General Requirements:

• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be fluent in speaking and writing in French, English and Spanish.
• Must have pre-opening hotel experience.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Must be able in a fast-paced environment.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.