Assistant Director of Human Resources | Learning and Development

Job Description

Assistant Director of Human Resources

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

Exempt Salaried

World Equestrian Center, Ocala, FL

Job Summary

The World Equestrian Center is a premier destination for equestrian sports and luxury hospitality. Located in Ocala, Florida, WEC combines world-class event facilities with fine dining, upscale accommodations, and exceptional service. At WEC, our team members are the heart of our success, and we are committed to creating a collaborative and dynamic work environment where talent can thrive.

Join us and help shape the future of luxury hospitality at the World Equestrian Center!

We are currently seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Human Resources to join our Human Resources team. This position plays a critical role in designing, implementing, and managing training programs that support the organization’s onboarding process, luxury service model, job safety, and other hospitality-driven learning initiatives. This position will establish the foundation for a learning culture, ensuring all programs align with organizational goals and foster excellence in service delivery.

The Assistant Director of Human Resources is a key leadership role responsible for managing daily HR operations, including associate relations, investigations, leadership-focused talent acquisition, and learning and development programs.

Partnering closely with the Director of Human Resources (DHR), the Assistant DHR drives HR strategies, fosters an inclusive workplace culture, and aligns departmental goals with the organization’s vision.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to the property operations managers and HR team.
• Set performance expectations, deliver ongoing coaching, and promote professional growth and development within the team.
• Ensure consistency and excellence in the execution of HR policies, programs, and practices across the organization.
• Act as a resource for resolving complex employee relations issues and providing solutions for day-to-day HR operational challenges.
  
  

Learning and Development Program Management

• Design, implement, and manage onboarding programs that set new hires up for success and align with the company’s culture and values.
• Develop and oversee training programs that support the luxury service model, job safety, and other hospitality-driven L&D initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate leaders and subject matter experts into training facilitation, fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
• Create and maintain a library of training resources, materials, and job aids for team members and leaders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs through feedback, assessments, and performance metrics, and implement improvements as needed.
  
  

Operational HR Excellence

• Oversee all HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, employee relations, and training programs.
• Partner with HR Managers to identify opportunities for improvement in service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Establish an on-boarding plan for leaders and hourly team members that embody our level of service providing excellence from day one.
• Establish internal customer service delivery processes to ensure our team members’ experience is as memorable as our guest experiences.
• Monitor and analyze HR metrics to assess performance, identify trends, and guide decision-making.
• Drive innovation in HR systems, processes, and tools to enhance the overall team member experience including any AI human resources related educational programs to develop our future.
  
  

Strategic HR Leadership

• Collaborate with the DHR to create and implement strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Contribute to workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development strategies to support the organization’s long-term success.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to foster a workplace environment where all team members feel valued and empowered.
• Provide guidance and support for organizational change initiatives to ensure smooth transitions and team member engagement.
  
  

Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Stay informed of HR trends, best practices, and legal developments to ensure the organization remains competitive and compliant.
• Develop and enforce HR policies that promote a high-performing and inclusive culture.
  
  

Collaborative Leadership

• Partner with department leaders to identify training needs, develop customized solutions, and encourage active participation in learning initiatives.
• Serve as a resource and advisor to leaders on best practices for training and development within their teams.
• Act as a champion for the company’s culture by integrating core values into all learning and development efforts.
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field or experience equivalent preferred.
• 2 years of experience in learning and development, training design, or leadership role with proven experience in training and developing others, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Proven ability to design and implement engaging training programs and initiatives.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of luxury service standards and hospitality best practices.
• Proven expertise in leadership talent acquisition and strategic sourcing.
• Develop operational managers, supervisors, and HR professionals on identified opportunity areas.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, talent acquisition platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is highly desirable.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Training Design & Implementation
• Leadership & Team Development
• Operational Efficiency
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Change Management
• Relationship Building
  
  

Work Environment: This position is primarily based on-site, with occasional travel required for networking events, conferences, or recruitment activities.

Why Join Us? As the Assistant Director of Human Resources, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future by building a high-performing leadership team, optimizing HR operations, and championing a culture of excellence. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and advance your career within a dynamic and growing organization.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.