People and Culture Manager

Be part of something extraordinary. As we open Charleston's first waterfront luxury hotel, we're building more than a property—we're creating a culture of excellence, connection, and care. The People & Culture Manager will play a vital role in shaping that culture with intentionality—ensuring every colleague experience reflects the warmth and refinement our guests will feel the moment they arrive.

From coordinating mass onboarding efforts and training programs to designing recognition initiatives and engagement strategies, you'll help set the stage for success. With a focus on retention, engagement, and purposeful connection, you'll cultivate an environment where every team member feels supported, valued, and inspired to deliver world-class hospitality.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Inspire and Elevate Our Culture

• Partner closely with the Director of People & Culture to bring our people strategy to life and align HR initiatives with our business goals.

• Be a trusted advisor to colleagues—offering insight, coaching, and guidance that enhances engagement, retention, and growth.

• Lead colleague recognition and appreciation programs that celebrate milestones, successes, and the spirit of hospitality.

• Foster a sense of belonging through events, communication, and initiatives that strengthen our hotel's community.

• Oversee colleague engagement surveys, including coordination, analysis, and the intentional results-sharing sessions with leaders and teams to drive action and accountability.

Champion Our People

• Assist our benefits and payroll team with the day-to-day HR operations including compensation, benefits, payroll, and leave administration, workers comp, and unemployment cases ensuring every process feels seamless and colleague focused.

• Build strong, authentic relationships across departments, serving as a resource and advocate for all team members.

• Manage employee relations, including addressing colleagues' concerns, providing guidance, and conducting investigations as needed with fairness, empathy, and integrity.

• Handle colleague relations with empathy and professionalism, maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Build and Grow Talent

• Drive our recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to attract and develop exceptional hospitality professionals.

• Assist with the hotel's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, coordinating arrival logistics, housing arrangements, onboarding, and departmental job rotations to ensure a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

• Support our Learning and Development Manager by implementing intentional career pathing, mentorship, and leadership development programs that empower growth from within.

• Guide leaders through performance reviews and development plans that focus on learning, feedback, recognition, and continuous improvement.

Lead with Insight

• Assist with pre-opening operations, ensuring that all colleagues are set up for success and the culture is built on strong, intentional foundations.

• Utilize data from our Workday HRIS and external benchmarks to make smart, informed people decisions.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness.

• Continuously evaluate and improve processes, embracing innovation and technology to streamline HR systems.

• Partner on change management initiatives, helping teams navigate transitions smoothly while staying engaged and motivated.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field

• 5+ years of HR experience, ideally in luxury hospitality or a people-centered industry.

• A deep understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and workforce engagement strategies.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—you build trust, inspire confidence, and lead with empathy.

• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Purpose-driven leader who builds culture through everyday intentional actions and meaningful colleague experiences.

• Adaptable, organized, and energized by the opportunity to help launch Charleston's newest waterfront luxury destination—with a vision of excellence and long-term legacy.

• Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal skills; able to foster authentic relationships across all levels of the organization.

• Deep understanding of HR principles, labor relations, and best practices within a luxury hospitality environment.

• High emotional intelligence and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.

• Proven ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make thoughtful, informed decisions in a fast-paced setting.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with HRIS systems such as Workday and OnTrack preferred.

• Skilled at collaboration, cross-functional partnership, and translating strategy into action with precision and purpose.

• Demonstrated ability to research, compile, and present comprehensive reports that inform business and people strategies.

• Committed to excellence with a balance of heart, strategy, and service—embodying the elevated standards of luxury hospitality.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment, supplies, etc. of at least 30 pounds.

• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.

• The role may require extended periods of time on your feet, especially during peak hotel hours or events.

• Good hearing in person and on the phone is necessary for effective communication with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.

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BHC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and are not based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, uniformed service, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other factor or characteristic protected by applicable law. BHC participates in E-Verify.