Hotels - Human Resources Director La Bahia Resort & Spa

Job Description DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES JOB TITLE: Director of Human Resources DEPARTMENT: Human Resources REPORTS TO: General Manager FLSA STATUS: Exempt Salary Range: $130-$140K EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/15/25   About Us: Set against the stunning backdrop of Santa Cruz’s pristine coastline, La Bahia Resort & Spa is poised to become a premier luxury destination. Our mission is to provide guests with unparalleled service, exquisite accommodation, and unforgettable experiences. As we prepare for our grand opening this summer, we are building a strong leadership team to establish a thriving, employee-centric workplace from day one. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Human Resources to build and lead the HR function from the ground up, creating policies, processes, and a culture that attracts and retains top talent in the Santa Cruz job market.   Position Summary: The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of HR operations, talent acquisition, policy creation, compliance, and employee engagement. This role will establish HR policies, systems, and best practices while ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws. As part of the opening leadership team, the Director will lead the recruitment and onboarding efforts, develop training programs, and implement HR strategies that foster a positive workplace culture, high employee engagement, and operational excellence.   Key Responsibilities:   HR Department Development & Leadership: Create and implement all HR policies, procedures, and operational guidelines from scratch, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and industry best practices. Build and establish the HR department, including HRIS setup, employee records management, and compliance frameworks. Develop onboarding programs, training materials, and employee handbooks tailored for a luxury hospitality environment. Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Team, advising on HR best practices, workforce planning, and organizational development. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning: Develop and execute a recruitment strategy to hire top talent for both hourly and leadership positions, with a focus on the Santa Cruz job market. Foster relationships with local recruitment channels, hospitality schools, and community organizations to build a strong talent pipeline. Oversee hiring, interviewing, and onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth transition for new employees.   Employee Relations & Culture Building: Establish a positive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering employee engagement, recognition, and retention. Create and manage employee relations programs, conflict resolution processes, and leadership training initiatives. Implement employee recognition and incentive programs to enhance motivation and performance. Promote workplace safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion as key pillars of the company’s culture.   Compliance & HR Operations: Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, workplace safety, and leave administration. Oversee compensation, benefits, and performance management programs, ensuring market competitiveness and internal fairness. Manage workers’ compensation claims, unemployment claims, and legal matters in collaboration with legal counsel and management. Conduct salary surveys and workforce analytics to inform leadership on compensation trends and retention strategies. Training & Development: Assist with developing and overseeing comprehensive training programs, including Forbes Standards, leadership development, safety training, and compliance education. Provide coaching and support to department leaders on employee management, performance reviews, and disciplinary procedures.   Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 5 years of HR leadership experience, preferably in luxury hospitality or a pre-opening hotel environment. Proven ability to build an HR function from the ground up, including policy creation, recruitment, and compliance programs. Strong knowledge of California labor laws and hospitality industry best practices. Experience recruiting in the Santa Cruz job market is highly preferred. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with leadership and employees at all levels. Proficiency in HRIS systems such as Ceridian Dayforce, Microsoft Office, and payroll/benefits administration platforms. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment and drive strategic HR initiatives. Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) are a plus.   This is a unique opportunity to shape the people and culture of La Bahia Resort & Spa from the ground up. If you are a visionary HR leader who thrives in building teams, creating policies, and developing a strong workplace culture, we invite you to apply!

Salary : $130,000 - $140,000