Human Resources Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Since 1978 The Inn at Little Washington, located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, has been one of the most decorated restaurants and hotels in the world. There is no better time to join in out growing team of exceptional people. On-the-job training, advancement potential, flexible schedules, amazing benefits, and competitive pay. Your next career awaits.

Some of our awards include Michelin 3 Stars, Forbes 5 Stars, AAA 5 Diamonds, and Wine Spectator Grand Award. Member of Relais & Chateaux.

Why join our team:

We offer:

• Health, vision and dental insurance (full time employees)
• Paid time off (Full time employees)
• 401(k) retirement plan with match
• On-the-job training
• Employee education allowance
• Advancement potential
• Flexible schedules
• Employee appreciation events
• Complimentary uniforms
• Delicious “family” meals daily prepared by the chefs
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive pay

Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager supports the Director of Human Resources in leading the day-to-day HR operations and partners with leaders, managers, and employees to build a respectful, inclusive, high-performing workplace.

This position provides hands-on leadership and expertise in payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, recruitment, compliance, employee engagement, and HR operations. The Human Resources Manager serves as a trusted advisor to management and employees and is expected to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential matters.

The successful candidate must have the leadership capability and business acumen to assume the responsibilities of the Director of Human Resources in their absence, including independently managing HR operations, advising senior leadership, and making appropriate decisions on complex employee and organizational matters.

The position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive professional who can successfully manage multiple priorities and complete assignments and projects independently and with minimal supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  Human Resources Leadership & Operations

• Support the Director of Human Resources in developing and executing the hotel’s HR strategy and initiatives.
• Serve as the acting HR leader in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.
• Partner with the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team, and department heads on HR and organizational matters.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers regarding HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Ensure HR programs and practices support the service standards and culture of a luxury hotel.
• Maintain a visible and approachable HR presence throughout the hotel.
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest degree of professionalism and discretion.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and responsibilities and ensure timely completion without requiring constant supervision.

  Payroll & Compensation

• Oversee and review payroll processes to ensure accurate and timely payment of employees.
• Review wages, overtime, bonuses, incentives, deductions, PTO, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related transactions for accuracy.
• Partner with Finance to investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Ensure employee status changes, new hires, promotions, transfers, leaves, and terminations are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Assist with wage and hour compliance and ensure payroll practices are consistent with applicable laws and company policies.
• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll and compensation matters.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail when reviewing payroll information.

  Benefits Administration

• Manage and oversee the administration of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and other company-sponsored programs.
• Serve as a primary HR resource for employee benefit questions and concerns.
• Coordinate benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, and annual open enrollment.
• Review benefit deductions and eligibility information to ensure accuracy.
• Partner with benefit providers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee issues.
• Ensure benefits information is accurately communicated to employees.
• Monitor benefits administration for compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.

  Employee Relations

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns and employee relations matters.
• Investigate complaints, grievances, conflicts, and allegations of policy violations.
• Provide guidance to managers regarding coaching, counseling, corrective action, and disciplinary procedures.
• Ensure employee relations matters are handled consistently, fairly, objectively, and confidentially.
• Maintain appropriate documentation related to employee relations cases.
• Identify employee relations trends and recommend proactive solutions to leadership.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and positive workplace environment consistent with luxury hospitality standards.

  Performance Management

• Coordinate the hotel’s performance management process.
• Coach managers on performance expectations, documentation, feedback, and corrective action.
• Monitor completion of performance evaluations and performance improvement plans.
• Assist leadership in identifying development opportunities and high-potential employees.
• Support succession planning and employee career development initiatives.

  Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention

• Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and recruitment priorities.
• Support sourcing, interviewing, selection, and hiring activities.
• Ensure appropriate onboarding and orientation of new employees.
• Promote employee retention strategies and identify opportunities to improve turnover.
• Support internal career development and promotional opportunities.
• Ensure recruitment and selection practices comply with company policies and applicable employment laws.

  Leave Administration

• Oversee the administration and documentation of employee leaves of absence.
• Coordinate applicable FMLA, disability, workers’ compensation, and other leave programs.
• Partner with employees, managers, benefits providers, and Payroll to ensure appropriate handling of leave-related matters.
• Monitor employee leaves and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes as appropriate.

  Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Ensure required HR documentation, reports, postings, and records are maintained.
• Assist with internal and external HR audits.
• Partner with the Director of Human Resources and legal counsel on employment matters when appropriate.
• Stay informed of changes in employment legislation and recommend updates to policies and procedures.

  Employee Engagement & Hotel Culture

• Support employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Help foster a workplace culture that reflects the hotel’s commitment to exceptional guest and employee experiences.
• Supports the HR team coordinating employee recognition programs and roll out HR communications.
• Maintain strong relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Promote teamwork, respect, accountability, and professionalism throughout the hotel.

  HR Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and analyze HR reports related to headcount, turnover, vacancies, payroll, benefits, absenteeism, employee relations, and other key HR metrics.
• Identify trends and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain accurate HR data and reporting.
• Assist the Director of Human Resources with budgeting, forecasting, and workforce planning.

  Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably within a luxury hotel or high-end hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and employment practices.
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive employee matters.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Fluent in both English and Spanish, verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage assignments, projects, and initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with payroll, benefits, employee records, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Professional presence and the ability to interact effectively with employees at all organizational levels.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a  luxury hotel, resort, or high-end hospitality environment .
• HR certification such as  SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR .
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, timekeeping, and benefits administration systems.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations.
• Experience supporting or leading an HR department in the absence of an HR Director.
• Knowledge of hospitality-specific staffing, scheduling, payroll, and employee relations practices.

  Working Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced luxury hotel environment and requires frequent interaction with employees, managers, department heads, and senior leadership. The individual must be comfortable managing multiple priorities, responding to time-sensitive HR matters, and maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in challenging situations.

The role requires a hands-on, visible HR leadership presence and the ability to balance operational HR responsibilities with strategic support to hotel leadership. The ideal candidate has open availability and flexibility to work according to the needs of the business.

**The Inn at Little Washington is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws**