🚀 Regional Director of People and Culture

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Position Summary

The Regional Director of People and Culture is responsible for leading and executing the human resources strategy for the organization, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business objectives and culture. This role will focus on fostering a positive work environment, promoting employee engagement, and developing programs that support talent acquisition, retention, performance management, and employee development. The Regional Director of People and Culture will lead HR operations, provide strategic guidance to leadership and ensure that Proper's people practices are aligned with organizational goals, values, and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute Proper's people strategy in collaboration with senior leadership to ensure alignment with overall business goals and objectives
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing insights and recommendations on organizational development, employee relations, and performance management
• Oversee the design and implementation of talent management initiatives that support the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring a culture of belonging and respect for all employees
• Lead the company’s organizational change initiatives, fostering a positive work environment through periods of transition

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee the recruitment and hiring process, ensuring the attraction of high-quality candidates and a smooth onboarding experience
• Partner with department heads to identify workforce needs and build effective strategies for talent sourcing and recruitment
• Manage workforce planning efforts, ensuring optimal staffing levels and talent alignment with business priorities
• Develop and execute strategies to build a strong employer brand and position the company as an employer of choice

Employee Engagement & Culture Development

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture that aligns with company values and encourages employee satisfaction, motivation, and retention
• Design and implement employee engagement surveys, analyze results, and take action to improve employee morale and engagement
• Develop initiatives that promote employee well-being, work-life balance, and career development opportunities
• Plan and coordinate employee recognition programs, events, and other activities that enhance the company culture

Performance Management & Employee Development

• Lead the performance management process, ensuring clear expectations, feedback, and development opportunities for employees at all levels
• Support leadership in coaching employees to meet performance goals, address performance issues, and identify development opportunities
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance employee skills, promote leadership development, and build a pipeline of future leaders
• Oversee succession planning efforts, ensuring there are clear career paths and development plans for high-potential employees

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee the day-to-day HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws
• Ensure the company’s HR policies and procedures are up to date and compliant with all applicable regulations
• Manage employee relations matters, addressing grievances, conflicts, and disciplinary actions in a fair and consistent manner
• Ensure that HR programs and practices are consistently applied and aligned with company goals, values, and legal requirements
• Lead compensation planning and strategy, ensuring that salary structures and benefits packages are competitive and aligned with industry standards
• Manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, ensuring the offerings meet the needs of employees while balancing the company’s goals
• Analyze compensation data and market trends to recommend adjustments and improvements as needed

Leadership Development & Succession Planning

• Design and implement leadership development programs to ensure that the organization has a strong leadership pipeline and a sustainable talent pool
• Drive succession planning efforts by identifying and developing internal talent for key leadership roles within the organization
• Work with leadership to assess organizational performance and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and employee productivity

Data & Analytics

• Utilize HR analytics and metrics to measure the effectiveness of people and culture initiatives and identify areas for improvement
• Track and report on key HR KPIs, such as turnover, engagement, training completion, and other relevant metrics to provide actionable insights to leadership
• Continuously assess HR practices and recommend improvements based on data-driven insights

Education and/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required
• 7+ years of experience in human resources leadership, including significant experience in managing HR teams and developing strategic HR programs
• Previous experience in a leadership role, with a proven track record of driving organizational change, employee engagement, and talent development
• Strong understanding of labor laws, compensation, benefits, and HR best practices
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other relevant HR certifications preferred

Skills / Specialized Knowledge

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of the organization
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to align HR initiatives with business goals
• Deep knowledge of HR best practices, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong decision-making abilities, with a focus on promoting employee well-being while achieving organizational objectives
• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal situations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR management software

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., for event-related tasks, office supplies)
• Occasional travel required for recruitment events, conferences or other business needs

Salary: $150,000-170,000 (based on skills, experience and qualifications)

*Additional Compensation: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus of up to 25% base salary.

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

Pillars of Proper

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.