What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager position at The Lake Estate?
At The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, we believe luxury is found in genuine relationships, thoughtful service, and creating meaningful experiences for both our guests and our associates. Our approach to hospitality is rooted in unassuming refined luxury where warmth, authenticity, and attention to detail define every interaction.
We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to oversee the full employee lifecycle-from recruiting exceptional talent and creating an engaging onboarding experience to payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, compliance, and professional development. This is a highly visible, hands-on role for an HR professional who thrives in the hospitality industry and enjoys being actively involved in the daily life of the resort.
You will work closely with department leaders while remaining deeply connected to our associates and day-to-day operations. We are looking for a leader who is approachable, service-oriented, and willing to roll up their sleeves whenever needed. Whether welcoming a new employee, processing payroll, assisting another department during a busy weekend, or helping resolve an employee concern, you understand that exceptional guest experiences begin with an exceptional team.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Hiring
- Lead all recruitment efforts for hourly, seasonal, supervisory, and salaried positions.
- Develop and maintain job postings across multiple recruiting platforms.
- Screen applicants, coordinate interviews, conduct reference checks, and facilitate hiring decisions.
- Coordinate pre-employment documentation, background checks, and onboarding.
- Create and deliver an engaging orientation program that introduces new associates to The Lake Estate's culture, values, and service standards.
- Partner with department leaders to anticipate staffing needs, workforce planning, and succession planning.
- Support seasonal hiring initiatives and workforce planning throughout the year.
Payroll Administration
- Process accurate and timely weekly payroll using Paylocity.
- Review and audit employee timecards for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Coordinate payroll adjustments, new hires, terminations, benefit deductions, PTO balances, and wage changes.
- Maintain payroll records with the highest level of confidentiality.
- Respond to payroll-related questions from associates in a timely and professional manner.
Benefits & Human Resources Administration
- Administer all employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, annual Open Enrollment, and employee communications.
- Serve as the primary liaison with benefit providers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable federal and state leave requirements.
- Maintain employee personnel files and HR documentation with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Administer new hire paperwork, I-9 documentation, employment eligibility verification, and employee recordkeeping.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Coordinate workers' compensation claims, return-to-work programs, unemployment claims, and employment verifications.
- Maintain HR policies, procedures, and the Employee Handbook.
- Track required training, certifications, and compliance deadlines.
Employee Relations & Culture
- Foster a positive workplace culture built on respect, accountability, collaboration, and genuine hospitality.
- Serve as a trusted resource for associates and managers by providing guidance on employee relations, coaching, conflict resolution, performance management, and policy interpretation.
- Support employee recognition, engagement, and wellness initiatives.
- Partner with department leaders to strengthen associate retention and create opportunities for professional growth.
- Champion The Lake Estate's service culture, mission, and core values.
Training & Development
- Coordinate onboarding and ongoing training programs for all associates.
- Support Forbes Five-Star service training initiatives and leadership development programs.
- Assist managers with coaching, performance development, and career planning.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across the resort.
Resort Leadership
- Maintain a visible, approachable presence throughout the resort and build trusted relationships with associates across every department.
- Support resort operations as needed, recognizing that exceptional hospitality is a shared responsibility. Leaders are expected to assist across departments during peak business periods, special events, and whenever additional support is needed.
- Lead with humility, professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of five years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably within a luxury hotel, resort, restaurant, private club, or hospitality environment.
- Experience using Paylocity for payroll processing and HR administration strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, annual Open Enrollment, COBRA, employee leave programs, and vendor coordination.
- Comprehensive understanding of federal and state employment laws, payroll administration, and HR best practices.
- Experience recruiting, onboarding, and retaining both seasonal and year-round employees.
- Demonstrated commitment to hospitality, teamwork, and providing exceptional service to both internal and external guests.
- Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and confidentiality.
- Collaborative, hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support operational needs beyond Human Resources.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
Desired Characteristics
- Warm, approachable, and professional demeanor.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to build trusted relationships across all departments.
- Passion for luxury hospitality and creating an exceptional employee experience.
- Flexibility and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-focused environment.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to move throughout the resort property and navigate multiple work environments.
- Ability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or holidays as business needs require.
Why Join The Lake Estate on Winnisquam?
At The Lake Estate, we believe extraordinary guest experiences begin with extraordinary associates. As our Human Resources Manager, you will play a vital role in cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver exceptional hospitality.
We believe the best leaders are visible, approachable, and willing to roll up their sleeves. If you enjoy building relationships, developing people, and being an active part of a close-knit team, you'll feel at home at The Lake Estate.
Together, we are building one of New Hampshire's premier luxury resort destinations with a commitment to excellence, personalized service, and a culture that reflects the warmth, authenticity, and understated elegance of our Estate.