Area People & Culture Director - Kimpton Hotel Palomar LA

Why We're Here

We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here.

Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today.

Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you.

How We're Different

Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day.

It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine.

That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better.

It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too.

What You'll Do

There's a reason we call Human Resources at Kimpton "People+Culture" - and it's not just for the humor of the P+C acronym! The Kimpton P+C team doesn't manage humans as resources; we empower employees and champion our culture. We are passionate about the employee journey and foster an environment consistent with Kimpton's reputation for being a Best Place to Work. As the Area Director of P+C, you'll lead a small area team who all help to bring this vision to life at multiple Kimpton hotels and restaurants.

Some of your responsibilities include:

• Develop and foster a genuine business partnership with the hotel and restaurant operations teams.

• Support department hiring managers in their recruitment efforts through attendance at local career fairs, offer letter administration, job posting and management, and proactive sourcing, as needed.

• Champion employee relations and employee communication/recognition initiatives (i.e. Employee Opinion Survey, Fireside Chats, Housekeeping Appreciation Week, Kimpton Moments, etc.).

• Regularly assess property-specific training needs and lead professional development including Kimpton University (KU) class facilitation and administration.

• Support hiring managers with performance management administration including quarterly and annual performance reviews for employees, and performance improvement plans as needed.

• Conduct annual wage comparison surveys within the market and partner with General Managers on data and recommendations.

• Manage the financials and annual budgets for the People+Culture areas including employee relations, recruiting, training, etc.

• Parter with hotel and restaurant operations management on all coaching, counseling, and discipline matters and serve as a solution-based P+C consultant on progressive discipline.

• Partner with leadership teams to conduct Exit and Stay interviews regularly.

• Partner with Directors of Finance during annual internal or external audits to support payroll/human resources compliance requirements.

• Manage the leave process and maintain compliance with FMLA, ADA, and any other leave requests.

• Ensure I-9, EEOC, OSHA, and workplace file compliance. Manage workers' compensation and unemployment administration to minimize liability and expense exposure.

• Support the operations in goal achievement of Guest Service scores and Coyle metrics.

• Serve as an employee advocate, cultural ambassador, subject matter expert, and innovator while aggressively championing all aspects of relationship-based problem-solving.

• Maintain weekly onsite P+C support and visibility for each location.

• We wear multiple hats here at Kimpton. You may need to take on responsibilities outside of this job post (as we all do!).

What You Bring

• Prior Area HR management and/or a minimum of 2 years as an HR Director, preferably in hospitality (or other lean and complex HR environment).

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Hotel Management or related field is preferred.

• PHR is preferred.

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with HRIS and ATS. ADP (Vantage and RM) experience is preferred, but not required.

• Strong organizational, task-management, employee relations, leadership, mediation, communication, and presentation skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge of all relevant labor laws.

• Naturally outgoing and friendly attitude with personal commitment and passion for providing employee care.

• Operate independently and use sound judgment to make decisions.

• You handle difficult situations and people while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

• Strong problem-solver and able to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.

Differences make a difference. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, we encourage each of our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. We also welcome and embrace people of all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and genders. For our complete EEO policy click here ( .

Be Yourself. Lead Yourself. Make it Count.