Director of People and Culture

Four Seasons • Santa Barbara, CA

30d

About The Position

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture. At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us. Looking for a talented Director of People & Culture to join our team and significantly contribute to reopen our newly remodeled resort in the American Riviera, Santa Barbara! This role reports to the General Manager and is a member of the hotel Planning Committee. Will be responsible for leading the People & Culture strategy and execution ; providing People & Culture support with the overall goal being that the resort is perceived as the Employer of Choice in your destination. You will be the Cultural Advocate of the Golden Rule in every employee action in your hotel and responsibilities will include championing top talent and actively supporting succession planning, supporting the hotel as a Business Partner, fostering relationships with others as a coach, supporting and driving Corporate People & Culture initiatives, actively supporting recruitment, selection, on-boarding and development requirements, legal and compliance matters as well as evaluating the effectiveness of People & Culture, Talent Acquisition, and Learning & Development programs and initiatives and analyzing compensation and benefits trends to ensure a balance between cost and employee experience.

Requirements

• A passion for people and talent management and as a business partner; strategic, strong business acumen, a catalyst for change and an employee champion.
• The ideal candidate must have local market knowledge, local work experience and must be eligible to work in the United States.
• We look for talent who share the Golden Rule – people who, by nature, believe in treating others as we would have them treat us.
• College Education required or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years management experience in the hospitality industry.
• Experience in hotel operations, preferably Four Seasons or other luxury service environments.
• Experience managing in diverse cultures.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coach, teach, mentor, and counsel others to improve performance.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Requires exceptional knowledge of and ability to operate computer equipment to include all Microsoft Office products.
• Friendly/Outgoing and warm personality.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with department heads.
• Must be fluent in English.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of California Labor Law is advantageous
• Spanish strongly preferred too.

Responsibilities

• Leads People & Culture Vision: Creates and communicates a compelling People & Culture vision that enhances employee experience, organizational performance, and alignment with the resort’s long ‑ term strategy.
• Develops Strategic People Initiatives: Designs and implements long ‑ range strategies for talent development, organizational effectiveness, culture-building, succession planning, and leadership growth.
• Leads and Develops the P&C Team: Provides leadership, coaching, and support to the People & Culture team, including indirect oversight of department trainers and culture ambassadors. Ensures they are aligned, empowered, and meeting performance and service excellence standards.
• Strengthens Leadership Capability: Ensures new and existing leaders have the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to be successful. Oversees leadership onboarding, coaching, and capability ‑ building programs to support strong 90 ‑ day transitions and ongoing development.
• Partners with Planning Committee: Supports and advises Planning Committee members on talent strategy, leadership development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Champions Culture & Standards Excellence: Drives a culture of service excellence by championing Core Values, Culture Standards, and company initiatives through training, communication, recognition programs, and organizational alignment.
• Operational Partner: Works collaboratively with department leaders to ensure consistent delivery of training, staff development, and people practices that strengthen operational performance.
• Strengthens Employee & Guest Experience: Analyzes feedback from guest satisfaction data, employee insights, surveys, and workplace trends to identify performance gaps and implement targeted development solutions.
• Facilitates Learning & Development Programs: Designs and delivers engaging training programs for employees and leaders, fostering continuous learning, inclusion, and high performance.
• Consults and Advises Leaders: Acts as a strategic business partner to managers, providing guidance on organizational change, team dynamics, employee relations, and people-centered decision-making.

Benefits

• Dynamic Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self!
• Inclusive and diverse employee engagement events all year-round
• Competitive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, and 401k Retirement Plan) as well as Vacation & Holiday Pay
• Sick Pay, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance
• Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you elevate your craft.
• And so much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager