Director of Human Resources

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Director of Human Resources

Lexington, KY, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1044

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Reports to: General Manager | Exempt Position

The Director of Human Resources is an experienced, people-focused leader who leads all facets of the hotel’s Human Resources function, advocates for employees, and aligns talent practices with the hotel’s strategic direction. This role champions the cultural pillars and helps create an engaging, positive, and safe workplace where employees feel recognized, valued, and supported. The ideal leader brings sound judgment, strong business acumen, and the ability to interpret a P+L, understand business and marketing priorities, challenge the status quo, build trusted partnerships across departments, and balance strategic leadership with the hands‑on execution needed to deliver meaningful improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion the cultural pillars and foster an engaging, positive, and safe work environment.
• Implement programs and practices that help employees feel recognized, valued, and supported, and address behaviors that negatively affect the workplace culture.
• Build and maintain a strong local talent pipeline, monitor market compensation, and oversee efficient recruiting, background check, and onboarding processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable city, state, and federal employment laws and proactively prepare for regulatory changes.
• Serve as the primary resource for employee benefit plans and enrollment, translating complex information into clear guidance.
• Lead people analytics, performance management, corrective action, employee development, training, and career progression initiatives.
• Partner with the General Manager and Executive Committee on hotel goals, staffing levels, performance coaching, service standards, and organizational planning.
• Develop and manage budgets that support employee recognition, rewards, events, programs, and development.
• Maintain a visible presence across departments by attending meetings and shift briefings and supporting hotel operations when needed.
• Facilitate employee feedback through focus groups and other channels, then help implement practical solutions.
• Conduct confidential workplace investigations and coach leaders through employee relations and performance matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Use a variety of communication channels to keep employees informed with clear, meaningful, and brand-aligned messaging.
• Take on additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

• Analytical, fact-based, and confident expressing a point of view without ego.
• Able to build rapport quickly and adapt communication and presentation styles for varied audiences.
• Collaborative and curious, with a disciplined approach to fact-finding and problem-solving.
• Results-oriented and skilled at influencing others, setting priorities, and translating strategy into action.
• Comfortable moving between strategic leadership and hands‑on execution.
• Committed to integrity, confidentiality, sound judgment, and appropriate discretion.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of progressive HR generalist experience in an upscale, people-focused environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or at least seven years of progressive experience leading to director-level responsibilities.
• SHRM certification is preferred but not required.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. We participate in E-Verify.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace and a sense of belonging for all employees. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected by applicable law.