Director of People & Culture

Sage Hospitality•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is pivotal in bringing to life a hotel being redefined as a destination for connection, creativity, and elevated hospitality, deeply rooted in Pittsburgh’s spirit. As Director of People & Culture, you will lead cultural transformation, shape the associate journey from onboarding through long-term growth, and build an environment where people feel connected, inspired, and proud. You will champion a values-driven approach, influencing not just hotel operations but the overall work experience. The ideal candidate leads with intention and heart, understanding that great culture drives great performance. You are strategic and human, capable of navigating complexity, inspiring teams, and creating clarity during change, believing that people are the experience. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting imprint, with work seen, felt, and experienced daily. The purpose of this role is to design, align, and execute a People & Culture strategy supporting both strategic and operational objectives. The Director leads all Human Resources functions, balancing compliance, culture, and performance, and serves as a strategic advisor to the Hotel Executive Committee on all people-related matters, partnering closely with the General Manager and receiving guidance from the Regional Director of People & Culture. Responsibilities include leading talent strategy, associate engagement, compliance, risk mitigation, and workforce planning, ensuring alignment with Sage Hospitality Group values, policies, brand standards, and applicable regulations. This role proactively identifies improvement opportunities and implements scalable solutions to elevate the associate experience and business outcomes.

Requirements

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

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and/or SHRM Certified Professional.
Union experience.
Bilingual fluency.

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

Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan. Up to 35% of your salary.
Unlimited paid time off
Eligible to enroll in medical insurance with employer covering up to 70% of premiums with wellness credit
Eligible to enroll in dental insurance with employer contribution towards premiums & vision insurance
Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with up to 4% employer match, meeting safe harbor requirements and no vesting period
Eligible to enroll in Health Savings Accounts with qualifying medical plans and receive up to $1000 company contribution
Eligible to enroll in Health, Dependent, and Commuter Flexible Spending Accounts
Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance coverage, with the option to enroll in additional coverage
Eligible to purchase Pet Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Critical Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Company-paid short-term disability
Company-paid long-term disability
WINFertility guidance for those enrolled in Sage medical plan
Calm Health Application Subscription
Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year
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.