Director of Talent & Culture

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, opened in February 2023 in charming Los Olivos, offers 67 luxury guest rooms, cottages, and suites that marry modern farmhouse design with the eclectic spirit of nearby ranch life. Set on historic grounds shaded by old-growth palm trees and surrounded by renowned vineyards, the property originally served as a popular stagecoach stop in the late 1800s and remains a lively local landmark. Today, guests can savor farm-driven menus, unwind at the Lavender Barn luxury spa, and enjoy destination-inspired experiences.

About the role

The heartbeat of our business, this role champions culture, plays a pivotal role in assembling best-in-class teams, managing business risks, and leading talent development to support our growth. Working at Auberge requires a pursuit of excellence in luxury service delivery, impacting both external guest experiences and leading the team member experience with the same ambition.

Act as a collaborative and strategic partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee Members to strategize the hotel’s goals, develop and implement process improvements, ensure appropriate staffing levels, coach performance, and deliver heartfelt service.

Responsibilities

• Attract top talent by championing the brand’s culture and values, ensuring effective staffing strategies with leaders, and maintaining awareness of the local talent pool.
• Identify educational institutions and attend career fairs to build a pipeline of eager hospitality professionals.
• Create a seamless and inclusive onboarding process for all new team members.
• Develop a competitive compensation structure that attracts and retains top talent.
• Support succession planning aligned with the overall Talent Management strategy.
• Spend time in each department, attend daily rallies, and walk spaces to demonstrate passion for the team.
• Exhibit a collaborative approach with peers and managers, valuing each team member’s individual opinion.
• Create a feedback loop where team members' concerns are heard and actioned.
• Champion an events calendar, recognition programs, and incentive programs to keep team members engaged and connected to the brand.
• Maintain open communication, ensuring all messaging aligns with the brand and team members are kept informed.
• Use metrics connected to engagement and retention to maintain a deep understanding of organizational culture and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prioritize Auberge Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives by championing, organizing, and leading team member training.
• Work with leaders and team members to develop their service skills and product delivery.
• Utilize sound financial decision-making to ensure budgets are in place and adhered to, providing necessary resources for events and programming.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory laws and proactively address upcoming changes in city, state, and federal labor statutes.
• Skillfully address employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution in alignment with Auberge ENRICH values, fostering a respectful and heartfelt environment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated history of building and supporting a winning team, preferably in a luxury hotel environment.
• Demonstrated HR leadership experience and capability.
• 5 years of progressive HR experience required.
• Strong HRIS/ATS/Payroll system experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Pay

The starting rate for this position is $150,000–$160,000 per year. Decisions regarding individual salaries will be based on experience and education.