HR Manager

Company Overview We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full‑service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting. Job Description Summary The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and executing all property-level HR functions with a strong emphasis on training & development, recruitment & workforce planning, associate engagement initiatives, and performance management processes. This role serves as a strategic partner to leadership while maintaining a hands‑on presence supporting managers and associates in daily operations. The HR Manager ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws while fostering a positive, inclusive, and service‑driven workplace culture aligned with hospitality standards. Training & Development Leadership Design, implement, and facilitate training programs for managers and associates. Facilitate effective training and development programs for employees including new brand initiatives, guest service training, the progressive discipline process, performance management process, and related management programs and initiatives. Lead onboarding and orientation programs to ensure strong first impressions and cultural alignment. Partner with department leaders to assess training needs and develop action plans. Facilitate leadership development workshops for supervisors and managers. Monitor completion of required compliance training (harassment prevention, safety, brand standards). Track and report training metrics and participation rates. Coach managers on performance feedback, documentation, and employee development plans. Recruitment & Workforce Planning Manage full‑cycle recruitment including sourcing, interviewing, selection, and onboarding. Develop recruitment strategies to attract top hospitality talent. Maintain relationships with community organizations, workforce agencies, and hospitality schools. Document outreach efforts and effectively recruit to attract a diverse candidate pool to ensure affirmative action goals. Oversee I‑9 verification and onboarding documentation. Oversee onboarding of non‑exempt employees and HR orientation program for new hires. Oversee job postings, applicant tracking systems, and recruitment marketing efforts. Coordinate interview panels and hiring manager training. Ensure a smooth pre‑employment and onboarding experience. Monitor staffing levels and partner with leadership on workforce planning and succession strategies. Associate Engagement & Events Planning Plan and execute associate engagement initiatives such as employee appreciation events, recognition programs, cultural celebrations, and town halls. Manage HR‑related communications and internal announcements. Support engagement survey initiatives and departmental action planning. Track participation and measure engagement impact. Promote a positive workplace culture through visibility and open‑door communication. Assist in planning employee events and maintain employee engagement activities calendar. Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of direct and indirect team members. Support compliance with company initiatives, policies, and guidelines. Handle employee issues professionally and promptly. Focus on the mission and well‑being of the department, hotel, and company. Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect. Corrective Action & Employee Relations Guide managers through progressive discipline processes (verbal, written, final warning). Ensure documentation is accurate, consistent, and compliant. Conduct workplace investigations fairly and objectively. Provide coaching to managers on conflict resolution and professional communication. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner. Support performance improvement planning. Ensure corrective actions align with company policy and employment law. Promote a culture of accountability and respectful workplace standards. Support and administer effective employee relations programs. Assist in researching and investigating non‑exempt workplace issues to discover facts, identify potential liability, document, and facilitate resolution. Identify themes and solutions to recurring issues. Influence employees to perform at their highest standard. Compliance & HR Operations Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws. Ensure company hiring standards, laws and applicable regulations are followed in the application, hiring and selection process. Ensure compliance with procedures for accessing, reviewing, and auditing employee files. Communicate property rules and regulations via the employee handbook and code of conduct. Ensure all safety and security policies are communicated to employees regularly. Assist with ensuring all annual compliance training courses are completed. Work with Corporate Training Partner to schedule and execute required annual training. Plan, direct, and coordinate HRIS activities of the hotel to maximize HR usage. Maintain HRIS data integrity and support data entry and processing. Ensure employee files contain required employment paperwork and performance documentation. Assist in managing associate leave claims (FMLA, Personal, Worker’s Compensation) and track time off. Support and assist with benefits administration. Assist with audits and reporting requirements. Provide required documentation in response to unemployment claims and participate in hearings. Qualifications 3+ years of experience working in Human Resources. Experience with progressive general HR including talent management, succession planning, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and training. Experience implementing change in a union/non‑union environment. Excellent leadership with a track record of developing and maintaining high employee engagement. Strong presentation skills. Aptitude for balancing multiple priorities with strong organization and prioritization capability. Proven record of developing people and organizational HR policies. Knowledge of rights and obligations of workers and employers. Knowledge of assessing and encouraging coworkers’ performance against organizational and individual goals. Applying tactical and operational thinking to create a people‑oriented working environment. Understanding and experience in a union environment is a plus. Exceptional ability to build consensus across entire property. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Strong supervisory and leadership skills. Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Skills & Competencies Strong presentation and facilitation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication. Ability to coach and influence managers at all levels. Knowledge of employment law and HR compliance. Strong organizational and event planning skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Proficiency in HRIS and applicant tracking systems. Work Environment This position works mostly in a service environment, with a high number of administrative tasks. Physical Demands The person may exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly. The person may carry, lift or pull items weighing up to 50 lbs and push and/or pull approximately 200 lbs. The person will frequently stand, bend, climb, kneel and move around the hotel. Expected Hours of Work Employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs. Must be flexible to work various days and shifts, including weekends, holidays, nights, and overnight. Regular attendance in conformance with hotel standards is essential. Ten‑to‑twelve‑hour shifts are sometimes required. Travel May travel to and from event sites for job fairs and representation of school events. Pay Range $78,000 - $102,500K. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and overall experience. Benefits Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Health Savings Account with Company Match 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Paid Vacation and Sick Days Sonesta Hotel Discounts Educational Assistance Paid Parental Leave Company Paid Life Insurance Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance Various Employee Perks and Discounts Hospital Indemnity Critical Illness Insurance Accident Insurance Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr