People & Culture Manager

ASH Hotels designs, develops, owns and operates a very special collection of properties. In our world, a hotel is much more than a destination to meet, dine, or sleep. Rather, it is a dynamic site of imagery and emotions, interactions and sensations manifesting within the walls of a beautifully restored local legend - a living movie set. An ASH hotel is a connection to the past and a beacon for the future, layered in nuanced storytelling that invites exploration time and again. Opening late summer, The Dudley Hotel is a thoughtfully designed 48-room boutique hotel, located directly on the Venice Beach boardwalk. Our all-day café + bar and rooftop cocktail experience are storytelling platforms that reflect The Dudley’s unique blend of Mediterranean charm and Venice Beach edge. The Opportunity We're looking for a People & Culture Manager who understands that the guest experience begins long before anyone checks in. It starts with how our team feels walking through the door each morning. In this role, you'll be the quiet backbone of our hotel, guiding the full employee lifecycle with both precision and heart. You bring deep, current knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices, and you apply that knowledge not as a gatekeeper, but as a protector of our people, our company, and our culture. From recruiting and onboarding to performance, compliance, the fun celebrations, and offboarding; you handle every touchpoint with care and discretion. You remember names and details, notice when a team member is struggling, and know when a policy needs to flex to meet a human moment. If you believe that a well-supported team creates something guests can feel, you'll fit right in here. What You'll Do Culture & Team Building This is a full-time, exempt position Lead the development of a workplace culture that reflects Ash Hotels and the character of this property Lead hiring for positions across departments, in partnership with department heads and the GM. Deliver an onboarding experience that sets a real tone, not just a checklist. One that makes new team members feel oriented, respected, and ready. Build and execute internal programs that support employee growth, recognition, and belonging across all departments. Foster a positive workplace culture through employee feedback and open communication. Serve as a trusted resource for employees at every level. Partner with department heads to develop their people management skills and build teams that communicate well and take care of each other. People Operations & Compliance Own all HR functions for the property: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, leave administration, and offboarding. Ensure full compliance with California employment law, including FEHA, CFRA, FMLA, Cal/OSHA, wage and hour regulations, and mandatory training requirements. Manage leave of absence processes with care and accuracy — coordinating CFRA, FMLA, PDL, and any applicable local ordinances. Maintain accurate, confidential employee records in compliance with California recordkeeping requirements. Oversee employee benefits, payroll, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims. Conduct thorough, fair, and timely workplace investigations when concerns arise, documenting findings with care and professionalism. Partner with legal counsel as needed on complex employee relations matters, ensuring the property is protected and people are treated fairly. Maintain a compensation and benefits philosophy that is competitive, transparent, and compliant with California pay equity and disclosure requirements. Anticipate the people challenges that come with a hotel opening and build the systems and relationships to meet them. What We're Looking For CA EMPLOYMENT LAW: Deep, working knowledge of California employment law — FEHA, CFRA, FMLA, DLSE regulations, wage and hour rules, and the nuances of how they apply day to day in a hospitality setting. HR GENERALIST EXPERIENCE : 3+ years in an HR/People Manager or generalist role, ideally in hospitality or a similarly fast‑paced, people‑intensive environment. Hotel pre‑opening experience is a genuine plus. CULTURAL INSTINCT : A natural sense for what makes a workplace feel good; and the judgment to act on it early, before small things become bigger ones. You build culture by example as much as by policy. EMPATHY & DISCERNMENT: Able to hold space for people without losing perspective. You can hear a concern, read what’s underneath it, and respond in a way that’s fair, considered, and human. COMMUNICATION: Clear and direct in writing and in person. Comfortable mediating and/or delivering difficult conversations with care, and equally at ease presenting to leadership or sitting across from a new hire on their first day. COMPLIANCE & SYSTEMS: Experienced with HRIS platforms, onboarding systems, and California‑specific compliance requirements including pay transparency, mandatory training, and record‑keeping obligations. Base Salary Range Base Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 | Commensurate with Experience Bonus Eligible: Performance‑based annual bonus program up to 10% of your annual salary Additional benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with generous company contribution to monthly premium Voluntary Long‑Term, Short‑Term Disability Plans, Life Insurance, Accident and Critical Illness Plans, Pet Insurance 401(k) retirement plan with employer match Annual Paid time off: 10 vacation days, 4 Personal Days California‑mandated paid sick leave Ash Hotel discounts Work Environment & Physical Requirements Primarily property‑based, with a mix of desk work, floor presence, and meetings across departments. Some evenings or weekends may be needed around key team milestones, events, or employee relations matters. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs as needed. Legal Notices We are an equal opportunity employer and make hiring decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (40+), disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under California or federal law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Reasonable Accommodations We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please contact us during the application process. In accordance with California law In accordance with California law, the base salary range for this position is $75,000–$95,000 annually. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors. Additional compensation may include performance bonuses and benefits as outlined above. At‑Will Employment Employment with this company is at‑will, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent permitted by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ash