Assistant Director, People & Culture

About the role

The Assistant Director, People & Culture at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is responsible for shaping organizational strategies across various HR areas, enhancing engagement, and fostering a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director, People & Culture to shape organizational strategies across employee relations, compensation and benefits, recognition, health & safety, and colleague wellness.
• Lead and influence People & Culture initiatives that enhance engagement, elevate colleague experience, and strengthen hotel-wide performance.
• Guide leaders in interpreting and applying HR policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements, ensuring fair, transparent, and legally compliant practices.
• Support leaders across the hotel with coaching, guidance, and solutions that cultivate a collaborative, high-performance work environment.
• Champion the hotel’s recruitment strategy, ensuring proactive support for all departments throughout the talent lifecycle.
• Oversee benefits administration and workplace safety programs, driving colleague understanding, regulatory compliance, and a safe, accident-free environment.
• Manage and track Leaves of Absence with precision to ensure full alignment with legislation and company policies.
• Carefully plan and execute People & Culture initiatives, celebrations, and recognition programs that strengthen connection and elevate the colleague experience.
• Promote an environment grounded in open communication, trust, respect, and genuine moments of fun that bring the culture to life.
• Support overall hotel leadership responsibilities as needed.
• Uphold all department policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Previous human resources leadership experience in a hotel or luxury hospitality environment required.
• Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English, with the ability to translate verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a natural ability to connect, support, and influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to stay composed, flexible, and solutions-focused in a dynamic, luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) preferred.
• Solid understanding of Federal, State, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Creative, thoughtful problem-solving skills with a commitment to high service standards.
• Ability to lead by example, elevate team culture, and inspire high performance.

Qualifications

• University/College degree in a related field preferred.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to stay composed, flexible, and solutions-focused.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
• Solid understanding of Federal, State, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Creative, thoughtful problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead by example.

Benefits

• Employee discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and spa experiences at Accor and Fairmont properties worldwide.
• Flexible and competitive healthcare benefit plans starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 4% of employee contributions.
• Learning programs to promote growth and development unlocking your full potential.
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world.
• Opportunity to make a difference through Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

Pay

$100,000 - $123,000 per year.

Schedule

Full-Time.