Director of People & Culture

Sage Hospitality•Bethesda, MD

2d•$95,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Sage Hospitality Group is seeking a Director of People & Culture for the Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda team. This role is responsible for designing, aligning, and executing a People & Culture strategy that supports the strategic and operational objectives of the business. The Director leads all People & Culture (Human Resources) functions at the property, balancing compliance, culture, and performance. This role serves as a strategic advisor to the Hotel Executive Committee and partners closely with the General Manager, with guidance from the Regional Director of People & Culture. The position is responsible for leading talent strategy, associate engagement, compliance, risk mitigation, and workforce planning, ensuring alignment with Sage Hospitality Group values, policies, brand standards, and applicable regulations. The role proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and implements scalable solutions to enhance the associate experience and business outcomes.

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 and influencing skills.
Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and partner effectively with leaders and stakeholders.
Strong hospitality orientation with the ability to manage complexity and ambiguity.
High level of judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
Ability to manage multiple priorities 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 all People & Culture functions at the property to attract, develop, motivate, and retain associates in a compliant, inclusive, and performance-driven environment.
Lead recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding strategies for hourly and leadership roles, ensuring alignment with Sage standards, brand expectations, and legal requirements.
Oversee performance management practices, including completion of evaluations and facilitation of performance improvement plans in partnership with leaders.
Ensure staffing models and workforce plans align with business needs, service standards, and financial objectives.
Assess organizational needs and plan, implement, and oversee training programs for hourly, supervisory, and management associates, including Sage core training and brand-required programs.
Partner with leaders to strengthen leadership capability, reduce risk, and build consistent management practices across the property.
Counsel and coach leaders on associate relations matters, including performance, conduct, and conflict resolution.
Oversee investigations, grievance resolution, and exit interview processes, analyzing trends and recommending corrective actions.
Design and implement associate engagement and relations initiatives that foster trust, inclusion, and retention.
Develop and manage budgets related to associate relations, training, recruitment advertising, and People & Culture staffing.
Lead and supervise People & Culture operations at the property, including coaching, development, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
Ensure consistent, timely, and equitable administration of associate relations practices.
Provide short- and long-term People & Culture planning aligned with hotel goals and Sage strategy.
Establish People & Culture objectives and metrics that support operational excellence and cultural health.
Serve as an active member of the Hotel Executive Committee, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making.
Position the property as an employer of choice through community partnerships, branding, and associate advocacy.
Proactively identify potential risk or liability and notify the General Manager and Regional Director of People & Culture with recommended mitigation strategies.
Partner in the administration of hourly wage structures and leadership compensation programs in alignment with corporate guidelines and legal requirements.
Communicate, administer, and support benefit programs in accordance with corporate policies, ensuring associates understand available offerings and enrollment processes.
Recommend enhancements to compensation or benefits programs through appropriate approval channels.
Ensure safety, accident prevention, and security practices are followed consistently.
Align property safety standards with corporate SOPs and establish property-specific practices as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with all Sage policies, brand standards, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
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 reporting and contractual obligations.
Oversee and ensure accurate People & Culture transactions through UKG workflows, including hires, terminations, transfers, and compensation changes.

Benefits

Independence Plan
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