Director of People & Culture Operations | Columbia Hospitality

Columbia Hospitality • Seattle, WA

3d • $130,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of People & Culture Operations provides operational human resources leadership and day-to-day support for a portfolio of 5+ properties, serving as the primary P&C partner to property leadership teams. The role helps ensure consistent application of P&C policies, employment practices, employee relations processes, and talent management programs across assigned locations. It works closely with company leaders to address workforce challenges, support employee engagement, manage employee relations matters, and promote a positive workplace culture, partnering with Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Learning & Development, and HRIS to deliver P&C services effectively.

The Director leads and develops P&C Business Partners supporting assigned properties, establishes service standards, manages complex employee relations matters and investigations, and coaches senior leaders and managers. The role also provides senior-level escalation support, contributes to Seattle Support Center leadership and cross-functional collaboration, supports property transitions, and helps manage employment compliance and organizational risk. The position is onsite in Seattle four days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• At least 3 years supporting multiple locations, properties, or business units.
• Strong employee relations and investigation experience.
• Experience supporting hospitality, hotel, resort, gaming, restaurant, or other service-based operations.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Onsite in Seattle four days a week.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Multi-property hospitality experience.
• Experience working within an HR Business Partner model.
• Proficiency in Dayforce and/or Paylocity.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary P&C contact for General Managers and property leadership teams, providing day-to-day guidance across assigned properties.
• Build relationships with leaders and advise on policy interpretation, employee concerns, performance issues, and people-management practices.
• Partner with property leaders to improve employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Lead, coach, and manage the performance of P&C Business Partners; set expectations, priorities, and service standards and support their professional development.
• Develop Business Partners’ capabilities in employee relations, investigations, manager coaching, policy interpretation, performance management, and compliance.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, practices, and P&C initiatives across assigned properties.
• Support and/or lead property transitions under the guidance of the VP of P&C Ops and Transitions.
• Review and provide direction on complex employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and workplace concerns; serve as an escalation point for sensitive issues.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and conduct General Manager and other complex property investigations involving complaints, policy violations, harassment allegations, and workplace conflicts.
• Recommend corrective action and performance-management approaches, support conflict resolution, and encourage productive employee-manager relationships.
• Coach senior leaders, General Managers, and managers on employee relations, performance management, accountability, leadership effectiveness, discipline, and documentation.
• Help leaders address attendance, conduct, and performance concerns and reinforce practices that promote engagement and retention.
• Represent Columbia Hospitality and P&C as a trusted leader during property visits and engagement with property leadership teams.
• Maintain a regular presence at the Seattle Support Center and participate in or help lead meetings, leadership discussions, training sessions, and special projects.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and monitor P&C practices to reduce organizational risk.
• Partner with specialists on leave administration, accommodations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment matters; assist with audits and compliance reviews.
• Partner with legal counsel on employee relations issues, legal claims, and related matters; support implementation of P&C policies and procedures.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on recruiting and staffing initiatives, assist with workforce planning and succession discussions, support onboarding and retention, and identify talent-related challenges and solutions.
• Perform duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and without discrimination; take on additional duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range of $130,000–$150,000, depending on experience.
• Incentive eligibility.
• Cellphone reimbursement.
• Daily pay option.
• Self-managed paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, and disability benefits.
• 401(k).
• HSA/FSA plans with employer contribution.
• Referral bonus.
• Discounted lodging, dining, spa, golf, and retail.
• Employee Assistance Program, Columbia Cares.
• Volunteer opportunities.
• Committee participation opportunities, including philanthropic and diversity, equity, and inclusion activities.
• Task force work opportunities at locations around the globe.
• Online learning platform.
• Third-party discounts, including pet insurance, rental cars, movie and concert tickets, and theme parks and attractions.

What This Job Offers

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