Assistant Director, People & Culture
About The Position
Assistant Director, People & Culture - Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Hotel) Are you a people‑focused leader with a passion for building meaningful connections, elevating teams, and shaping workplace cultures? Join the People & Culture team at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where warm hospitality, rich local heritage, and a deep commitment to colleague well‑being create an exceptional place to work and grow. As Assistant Director, People & Culture, you will help guide a culture defined by authenticity and excellence, creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, inspired, and confident in their ability to make special happen. What you will be doing: Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:
Requirements
- Previous human resources leadership experience in a hotel or luxury hospitality environment required
- Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English, with the ability to translate verbally and in writing
- Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, with a natural ability to connect, support, and influence at all levels
- Proven ability to stay composed, flexible, and solutions‑focused in a dynamic, luxury hospitality environment
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively
- Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) preferred
- Solid understanding of Federal, State, and local employment laws and regulations
- Creative, thoughtful problem‑solving skills with a commitment to high service standards
- Ability to lead by example, elevate team culture, and inspire high performance
- University/College degree in a related field preferred
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Director, People & Culture to shape organizational strategies across employee relations, compensation and benefits, recognition, health & safety, and colleague wellness, ensuring alignment with hotel vision and operational goals
- Lead and influence People & Culture initiatives that enhance engagement, elevate colleague experience, and strengthen hotel‑wide performance
- Guide leaders in the interpretation and consistent application of HR policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements, reinforcing fair, transparent, and legally compliant practices
- Support leaders across the hotel with coaching, guidance, and solutions that cultivate a collaborative, high‑performance work environment
- Champion the hotel’s recruitment strategy, ensuring every department receives proactive support throughout the full talent lifecycle
- Oversee benefits administration and workplace safety programs, driving colleague understanding, regulatory compliance, and a safe, accident‑free environment
- Assist in overseeing the daily operations of the People & Culture office while supporting the performance and development of the Human Resources team
- Manage and track Leaves of Absence with precision to ensure full alignment with legislation and company policies
- Coordinate and facilitate training programs that reinforce legal compliance, luxury service excellence, and colleague engagement
- Plan and execute People & Culture initiatives, celebrations, and recognition programs that strengthen connection and elevate the colleague experience
- Promote an environment grounded in open communication, trust, respect with genuine moments of fun that bring our culture to life
- Support overall hotel leadership responsibilities as needed
- Uphold all department policies, procedures, and service standards
- Follow all health and safety protocols
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Employee discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and spa experiences at Accor and Fairmont properties worldwide
- Flexible and competitive healthcare benefit plans designed to meet the unique needs of you and your family, starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment
- 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 4% of employee contributions
- Learning programs to promote growth and development unlocking your full potential
- Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world
- Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
