Area Director of People & Culture

Sage Hospitality•Denver, CO

6d•$110,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Sage Hospitality Group is seeking an Area Director of People & Culture to join their team in Denver, supporting both the Crawford and Oxford hotels. This role is responsible for designing, aligning, and executing a People & Culture strategy that supports the strategic and operational needs of multiple properties. The Area Director leads and oversees all People & Culture (Human Resources) activities, balancing compliance, culture, performance, and engagement. This position serves as a strategic advisor to property leadership and Executive Committees, partnering closely with General Managers and receiving guidance from the Regional Director of People & Culture. The Area Director ensures People & Culture practices are consistently applied, scalable, and aligned with Sage Hospitality Group values, brand standards, and applicable laws.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field, or equivalent education and experience preferred.
Four to five years of progressive experience in People & Culture (Human Resources) or a related field.
Demonstrated success implementing people strategies, programs, and process improvements.
Strong executive-level communication, influencing, and advisory skills.
Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced, multi-property environment.
Proven ability to partner with and influence senior leaders and stakeholders.
Strong hospitality orientation with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities.
High level of judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives while maintaining attention to detail and compliance.
Strong literacy and comprehension skills required for review and preparation of People & Culture documentation.

Nice To Haves

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and/or SHRM Certified Professional preferred
Union experience preferred, where applicable.
Bilingual fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, coordinate, and lead People & Culture functions across assigned properties to attract, develop, motivate, and retain associates in a safe, inclusive, and high-performing environment.
Lead and oversee recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding strategies for hourly and leadership roles, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment with Sage standards.
Monitor performance management practices across properties, ensuring evaluations are completed timely and performance improvement plans are developed and managed appropriately.
Partner with property leadership to align staffing models and workforce plans with operational needs and financial goals.
Assess organizational and property-level needs and oversee the planning, implementation, and coordination of training programs for hourly, supervisory, and management associates.
Ensure delivery of Sage core training and brand-required programs to build leadership capability, strengthen culture, and reduce risk across the area.
Counsel and coach leaders on associate relations matters, including performance, conduct, investigations, and conflict resolution.
Oversee grievance resolution and exit interview processes, reviewing trends and recommending corrective or preventative actions.
Support and implement associate engagement and relations initiatives that foster trust, inclusion, and retention across properties.
Develop and manage budgets related to associate relations, training, recruitment advertising, and People & Culture staffing.
Oversee People & Culture operations across assigned properties, including coaching and development of People & Culture leaders and teams.
Ensure associate relations practices are administered consistently, equitably, and in a timely manner across all locations.
Provide short- and long-term People & Culture planning aligned with area, property, and Sage-wide strategies.
Establish People & Culture objectives, metrics, and reporting that support operational excellence and cultural health.
Participate as a trusted advisor to property leadership teams and Executive Committees.
Position assigned properties as employers of choice through community partnerships, branding efforts, and associate advocacy.
Proactively identify potential risk or liability and notify General Managers and the Regional Director of People & Culture with recommended mitigation strategies.
Partner in the administration and oversight of hourly wage structures and leadership compensation programs in alignment with corporate guidelines and legal requirements.
Ensure benefit programs are communicated, administered, and supported consistently across properties in accordance with corporate policies.
Recommend enhancements to compensation or benefits programs through appropriate approval channels.
Ensure accident prevention, safety, and security policies are consistently followed across assigned properties.
Align property safety practices with corporate SOPs and support the development of property-specific standards as needed.
Ensure compliance with Sage policies, brand standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws across assigned properties.
Maintain oversight of associate records, files, and People & Culture systems to ensure audit readiness and confidentiality.
Oversee People & Culture reporting, analyzing trends and providing leadership with accurate, actionable insights.
Ensure compliance with union agreements, if applicable, including contractual obligations and reporting requirements.
Oversee and ensure accurate People & Culture transactions through UKG workflows, including hires, terminations, transfers, and compensation changes.

Benefits

Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan
Unlimited paid time off
Medical, dental, & vision insurance
Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
Health savings and flexible spending accounts
Basic Life and AD&D insurance
Company-paid short-term disability
Paid FMLA leave for up to a period of 12 weeks
Employee Assistance Program
Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.
Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.