Complex People & Culture Director - InterContinental Boston

ABOUT INTERCONTINENTAL® BOSTON

A landmark of luxury and sophistication, InterContinental® Boston graces the city's historic waterfront, earning accolades such as ‘Best Hotels in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveler. With 424 elegantly modern accommodations, stunning panoramic views, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa & Fitness Club, 32,000 square feet of premier event space, and globally inspired culinary experiences, we set the standard for luxury hospitality in New England.

ABOUT KIMPTON MARLOWE

Located at the entrance to Cambridge, home to Kendall Square, MIT, and the Museum of Science, Kimpton Marlowe Hotel brings to life the rich history and innovative spirit of Cambridge while fostering a lively sense of adventure and exploration within. The hotel’s idyllic location along the Charles River provides the perfect backdrop for a family getaway or inspiring business retreat. Spacious 237 guestrooms, 9,000 sq. ft of brand new meetings, events and public spaces, and thoughtful perks and amenities blend together like the pages of a bestseller, guaranteeing a thought-provoking and stimulating stay in a city esteemed for its intellectual capital.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Manage People & Culture programs, including recruiting and employment, compensation, benefits, workers' compensation, labor and employee relations, employee recognition programs, and training for hotel employees across two properties in the Boston Market, InterContinental Boston and the Kimpton Marlowe. Ensure policy compliance, support the Company’s initiatives, and promote a positive employee culture.  Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible in all Human Resources-related matters.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and assign work of the People & Culture staff. Advise staff of formal policies and procedures. 

• Recommend and/or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other staffing/people & culture-related actions in accordance with company rules and policies.  Alert General Manager of potentially serious issues.

• Identify, recruit, and make hiring recommendations for all hotel positions.  Screen, interview, and test applicants; coordinate background checks/references, and process applicable paperwork.  Oversee the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date personnel files on all employees. Ensure that company hiring standards, laws and applicable regulations are followed in the application, hiring and selection process.  Work with department heads to anticipate and plan for upcoming staffing needs and related budgets.

• Conduct, document, and analyze data from exit interviews, turnover statistics, absenteeism reports, etc. to identify trends, training needs, supervisory issues, etc., to improve employee satisfaction and retention. 

• Create programs and events to foster a positive work environment for all employees (e.g. pep rallies, all employee meetings, excitement committees, health fairs, etc.).  Support and administer the employee satisfaction survey in conjunction with Corporate Human Resources.  Assist the General Manager and other department managers with developing action plans based on feedback.  Facilitate feedback sessions.

• Coordinate, support and administer all other corporate initiatives such as annual merit process, short term incentive process, benefit enrollment and communication, wage and hour surveys, etc.)

• Support and administer an effective employee relations program.  Research and investigate all workplace issues to discover facts, identify potential liability to the Company, and facilitate resolution.   Support and promote the Employee Resolution process.   Advise Corporate People & Culture of any potentially serious issues.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, government agencies, and company policies and procedures (e.g. Occupational Safety and Health Act, Equal Employment Opportunity, Wage and Hour, Affirmative Action, employee records administration, etc.).   Conduct annual HR compliance/standards self-audit. Communicate and interpret all company and hotel policies and procedures.  Review and make recommendations as appropriate to management and/or HMG Human Resources to improve HR policies, procedures and practices. 

• Design and facilitate effective training and development programs for employees.  Ensure that all managers and supervisors are trained on the progressive discipline process, performance management process, and related management programs and initiatives.  Coach managers to create and maintain a work environment with high morale and productivity.    Conduct new employee orientation to familiarize employees with Company standards, policies, procedures, rules and other employee programs.

• Ensure worker’s compensation claims are properly documented and reported.  Ensure that there is an active safety committee at the hotel, that safety programs are implemented, and that employees are motivated to follow safety procedures. 

• Submit required documentation in response to unemployment claims.  Participate in unemployment hearings as needed.  Ensure that paperwork is complete and documentation is thorough so the company’s position can be legally and effectively represented. 

• Control expenses within the P&C department. Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel.

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.  Key departmental contacts include all hotel staff, Corporate People & Culture, and Corporate Legal and HR Shared Services/Hite to Retire.

• Interact with outside contacts:

  • Candidates and applicants – discuss employment opportunities and conduct interviews

  • Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction

  • Vendors – to ensure adequate inventory of supplies and equipment, to discuss pricing or service issues, to resolve any vendor performance issues, etc.

  • Outside counsel – to seek advice on various issues

  • Regulatory agencies – regarding safety and compliance matters

  • Union representatives 

  • Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups, local media) 

• Manage labor relations and represent the hotel in grievances, mediations, arbitrations and contract negotiations.  Ensure all departments are knowledgeable of and in compliance with the terms of all collective bargaining agreements. 

• May coordinate and administer locally developed specialized recognition programs.

• Perform other duties as assigned and may serve as “manager on duty” as required.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

This is the top People & Culture job in a large, major flagship hotel with extensive facilities and services, a number of major outlets, and high-volume catering and convention facilities. Typically manages multiple People & Culture professionals and/or administrative staff, and deals with advanced-level HR issues, including labor unions, complex employee relations matters, etc.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Prior Area HR management and/or a minimum of 2 years as an HR Director, preferably in a complexed HR environment.

• Union experience is required

• A bachelor’s degree in HR, Hotel Management or related field is preferred.

• Strong computer skills to include: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with HRIS systems and software.

• Strong organizational, task-management, employee relations, leadership, problem resolution, creativity, verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge of all applicable federal, state and city employment and labo laws.

• Naturally outgoing and friendly demeanor with personal commitment and passion for

• providing employee care in order to consistently deliver and demonstrate Kimpton service

• standards to our internal customers.

• Ability to operate independently, using sound judgement to make decisions.

• Ability to deal with difficult situations and people while maintaining professionalism.

• Able to solve practical problems and be able to deal with a variety of concrete variables in

• situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and protect employee privacy.

This job requires the ability to perform the following:

• Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds

• Standing and moving around the facility 

• Use a keyboard to generate various work-related documents

• Handling objects, files, training materials and equipment, etc.

Other:

• Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with employees, vendors, and corporate human resources and legal staff.

• Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, giving and receiving instructions, and training.

• Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.

• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.

• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job.

What We Offer

At InterContinental Boston, our colleagues are the heartbeat of our success. We are proud to offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $170,000. This job is also eligible for a bonus pay. 
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and wellness programs
• Complimentary dry cleaning and employee meals
• Global hotel discounts across IHG’s 6,000+ hotels and exclusive access to additional perks
• A supportive and collaborative work environment committed to your personal and professional growth
• Most importantly — the freedom to be yourself and thrive in an environment that celebrates individuality

Join Us — Lead with Passion. Inspire with Excellence.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we believe in True Hospitality for Good — making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognized, and respected.

As ambassadors of the InterContinental brand, we take pride in our passion for culture, our global perspective, and our ability to create enriching experiences in inspiring surroundings. If you are ready to share your expertise and grow within the world’s most international luxury hotel brand, we welcome you to go further together with us.