People + Culture Business Partner

ROLE SUMMARY: The People Culture Business Partner supports the daily operations of the People Culture department by partnering with leaders and team members to deliver exceptional service throughout the team member lifecycle. This role serves as a primary trusted resource for benefit administration, leave of absence management team member relations, performance management, talent acquisition, compliance, engagement, and leadership support while helping ensure the consistent application of company policies, team member practices, and company standards. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Administer and manage employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and wellness initiatives.  

• Oversee benefit enrollments, life event changes, qualifying events, and annual open enrollment processes.  

• Serve as point of contact for team member benefit inquiries, providing accurate and timely guidance regarding plan options, eligibility, and claims issues.  

• Partner with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors to ensure effective program administration and service delivery.  

• Ensure compliance with all applicable benefits-related laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and applicable state requirements.  

• Manage benefits invoicing, reconciliation, reporting, audits, and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and cost control.  

• Support leave of absence administration, including medical, family, personal, military, and disability leaves.  

• Partner with Area Director  to support organizational development, workforce planning, team member engagement, and overall business objectives. 

• Mentor Admin/Coordinators, HR Generalist, Sr. Manager and Talent Manager.  

• Analyze data and business metrics to identify trends, provide insights, and be a strategic partner on organizational development and initiatives. 

• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, employee management, and employment law. 

• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, Marriott brand standards, and company policies.  

• Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices across departments and entities.  

• Assist with internal interviews for line-level team members and entry-level salaried roles. 

• Support benefits administration, accommodations, leave management third parties in follow up conversations, partner with Director of Security on worker’s comp claims, and other employment-related processes as needed.  

• Support Sr. Area Manager with providing guidance on team member relations, performance management, coaching, policy interpretation, and team member development.  

• Assist with team member engagement programs, appreciation events, recognition initiatives, and culture-building activities.  

• Support annual performance review processes, engagement surveys, and other People Culture initiatives.  

• Build positive working relationships with leaders and team members while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.  

• Leading audit efforts and partnering with paymaster for garnishments, deductions and new system integrations as needed.  

• Promote and model the organization's culture, mission, and Core Values in every interaction. 

• All other duties as assigned. 

     ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the property for extended periods. 

• Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 25 lbs regularly. 

• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers, printers, and mobile devices. 

• Ability to present training sessions for extended periods while maintaining engagement and professionalism. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supervises: People Culture Generalist, Coordinators and Administrators.  

• Provides mentoring, leadership, coaching, and direction to Senior Area Manager(s) and Training Development Manager. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Five or more years of progressive Human Resources/People Culture leadership experience, preferably within hospitality or luxury hotel operations. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of benefit administration, leave policies, federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices. 

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align People Culture strategies with operational objectives. 

• Experience partnering with leaders to drive organizational effectiveness, team member engagement, talent development, and retention initiatives. 

• Detail orientated, Excellent coaching, consulting, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels. 

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and discretion. 

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment. 

• Embody our Core Values: Hit the Mark, Every time, Blaze New Trails, Spark Warmth, Honor All, Be Intentional, Do Right, Stay Curious. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience supporting organizational development, change management, succession planning, and strategic workforce initiatives. 

• Previous experience within luxury hotels, Marriott International or an Autograph Collection property. 

• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR. 

Hotel Drover complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination against employees and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, or veterans' status.