Director of People & Culture - Santa Monica, CA

Proper Hospitality is a distinguished hospitality company renowned for its dedication to delivering the highest standards in the hotel industry. Built on the ethos that there is a right way to do things and anything less just isn't proper, Proper Hospitality unites a diverse community of passionate professionals who thrive in challenging and fast-paced environments. The company prides itself on its rich heritage inspired by centuries-old hospitality traditions while simultaneously cultivating innovative concepts in lifestyle hospitality. This approach positions Proper Hospitality as a forward-thinking leader committed to excellence, integrity, and a guest-centric experience. The company embraces inclusion and diversity, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected category under federal or state law. Proper Hospitality also practices fair hiring policies regarding applicants with criminal histories, complying with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances. The Director of People and Culture at Proper Hospitality plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the human resources strategy that underpins the company’s long-term success and vibrant culture. This leadership position requires a strategic and visionary individual who will collaborate closely with senior leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business objectives. The Director will be responsible for nurturing a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters employee engagement, retention, and continuous professional growth. This role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including talent acquisition, workforce planning, performance management, employee development, organizational change management, diversity and inclusion, and compliance with labor laws. An integral aspect of this position is driving innovative programs to acquire and retain top talent, bolstering Proper Hospitality’s reputation as an employer of choice in the competitive hospitality landscape. The Director will spearhead employee engagement efforts by designing surveys, orchestrating recognition programs, and promoting well-being initiatives that enhance work-life balance. Moreover, they will lead performance management processes, coaching leaders and employees to maximize potential and ensure continuous development. Oversight of compensation, benefits, and compliance ensures that HR policies are competitive and meet regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will also lead succession planning and leadership development programs to sustain a robust leadership pipeline for the company’s continued growth. Utilizing data and analytics, the Director will measure the impact of people and culture initiatives and guide strategic improvements based on actionable insights. This critical role demands exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills, combined with a deep understanding of HR best practices within a dynamic hospitality environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources business administration organizational development or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in human resources leadership including managing HR teams and developing strategic HR programs
• proven leadership experience with success in organizational change employee engagement and talent development
• strong knowledge of labor laws compensation benefits and HR best practices
• preferred certification such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR
• excellent leadership communication and interpersonal skills
• strategic thinking and problem-solving ability
• knowledge of HR best practices talent management and organizational development
• ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in fast-paced environment
• strong decision-making skills focused on employee well-being and organizational goals
• high emotional intelligence
• proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR software