Director of People & Culture Operations | Columbia Hospitality

Columbia Hospitality • Seattle, WA

4d • $130,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of People & Culture Operations provides operational human resources leadership and day-to-day P&C support for a portfolio of five or more properties. Based at the Seattle offices, the Director serves as the primary P&C partner to property leadership teams, helping ensure consistent application of P&C policies, employment practices, employee relations processes, and talent management programs. The role works closely with company leaders to address workforce challenges, support employee engagement, manage employee relations matters, and promote a positive workplace culture. It partners with Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Learning & Development, and HRIS to deliver P&C services effectively.

The Director leads and develops P&C Business Partners, sets service expectations and priorities, supports consistent P&C practices across assigned locations, and provides senior-level guidance on complex or sensitive employee relations and organizational matters. The role also coaches property and senior leaders, supports investigations and compliance, and contributes to talent management, staffing, onboarding, and retention initiatives. 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.
• Seven or more years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Three or more 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.
• Ability to work 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 English and Spanish skills, with strong verbal and written communication.

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 to support operational and workforce needs and advise on policy interpretation, employee concerns, performance issues, and people management practices.
• Partner with leaders to identify opportunities to improve employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for P&C Business Partners supporting assigned properties.
• Establish expectations, priorities, and service standards to provide consistent P&C support across locations.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Business Partners, support their professional development, and develop their 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.
• Monitor workload distribution and resource allocation for effective property support.
• Serve as an escalation point for sensitive employee, leadership, and organizational issues.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and workplace investigations, including General Manager and 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, and leadership effectiveness.
• Support disciplinary processes and documentation and assist leaders with attendance, conduct, and performance concerns.
• Reinforce leadership practices that promote employee engagement and retention.
• Represent Columbia Hospitality and P&C as a visible, trusted leader during property visits and engagement with property leadership teams.
• Maintain a regular presence at the Seattle Support Center to support executive leaders, foster cross-functional collaboration, and align P&C initiatives.
• Participate in and help lead Seattle Support Center 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 and 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 leaders with workforce planning and succession discussions and support onboarding and retention initiatives.
• Identify talent-related challenges and recommend practical solutions.
• Perform job duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, without discrimination, and undertake 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.
• Volunteer opportunities through Columbia Cares.
• Committee participation opportunities, including philanthropic and diversity, equity, and inclusion committees.
• Task force work opportunities in locations across the globe.
• Online learning platform.
• Third-party perks, including discounts on pet insurance, rental cars, movie and concert tickets, theme parks, and attractions.

What This Job Offers

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