Human Resources Manager

Position Overview

Le Méridien San Diego is seeking an experienced and hands-on Human Resources Manager to lead all aspects of the hotel’s Human Resources operations.

As part of our pre-opening leadership team, this individual will play a key role in building our team, establishing HR processes, and creating a positive workplace culture from the ground up.

The Human Resources Manager will serve as the hotel’s primary HR leader, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, payroll coordination, training, compliance, and overall HR operations. This position reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with department leaders to support the hotel’s operational and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership & Administration

• Oversee all daily Human Resources functions for the hotel.
• Serve as the primary HR resource and advisor to the General Manager and department leaders.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate employee records, personnel files, and HR systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, California, and San Diego employment laws and regulations.
• Support workforce planning, organizational development, and staffing budgets.

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

• Lead the full recruitment process for all hotel departments.
• Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and hiring priorities.
• Oversee job postings, interviews, offers, background checks, and onboarding.
• Coordinate new-hire orientation and ensure all required employment documentation is completed.
• Develop recruitment strategies to attract and retain qualified hospitality professionals.

Employee Relations & Workplace Culture

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters.
• Manage employee concerns, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Provide guidance to department leaders on performance management and employment practices.
• Promote a positive, professional, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture.
• Lead employee recognition, engagement, and retention initiatives.

Payroll, Benefits & Compliance

• Oversee payroll administration and coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Administer employee benefits programs, enrollment, and employee communications.
• Manage leave of absence requests, workers’ compensation matters, and required employment documentation.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, meal and rest period requirements, and applicable labor regulations.
• Maintain HR reporting, audits, and compliance records.

Training & Development

• Coordinate employee orientation, required training, and ongoing professional development.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure completion of Marriott brand training requirements.
• Support leadership development, performance evaluations, and succession planning.
• Identify training opportunities that improve employee engagement and service standards.

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Lead the recruitment and onboarding process for the hotel’s opening team.
• Establish HR procedures, personnel files, and employee onboarding processes before opening.
• Coordinate payroll, benefits, HR systems, and employee training readiness.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure staffing levels align with the hotel’s opening timeline.
• Support the development of the hotel’s workplace culture and employee experience from day one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Previous experience as a Human Resources Manager or similar hotel HR leadership position.
• Strong working knowledge of California employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience managing recruitment, employee relations, benefits, payroll coordination, and performance management.
• Ability to independently manage the full HR function of a hotel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Experience with Marriott or another major hotel brand preferred.
• Previous hotel pre-opening experience is highly desirable.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a proactive, organized, and approachable HR professional who is comfortable taking ownership of the entire Human Resources function.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, capable of supporting the General Manager and leadership team while remaining actively involved in daily employee needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new hotel, build a strong team from the ground up, and play an important role in shaping the culture and long-term success of Le Méridien San Diego.