Director of Human Resources

The Hotel

Step inside a legendary revival at The Watergate Hotel, a luxurious urban resort located along the banks of the Potomac River. Here modern design blends with a storied past to redefine luxury. A place where travel and business are occasions worth celebrating, attention to every detail is the standard, and intrigue can be found just beyond every curve.

Location

The Watergate Hotel is centrally located in Washington, D.C., a city of political power, prestige, and elegance is culturally rich with theaters, museums, architectural splendors and unforgettable national memorials. The Watergate Hotel is situated within walking distance of the best the city has to offer.

Strategic Intent

Direct and oversee the efficient administration and management of the Human Resources function, while fostering a positive, goal-oriented culture across the organization. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, compensation and benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Provide strategic guidance and support to management and staff, while driving high-quality hiring and strong employee retention.

Organizational Structure

REPORTS TO: Managing Director and Ownership

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and support recruitment efforts, ensuring effective interviewing practices, compliance with company hiring standards, and the selection and retention of qualified associates. Verify employment eligibility for all new and existing employees and participate in interviews for management positions.
• Conduct annual wage benchmarking within the competitive set to ensure market alignment and maintain compliance with all federal, state, and wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Oversee all training initiatives, including mandatory and brand-required programs. Partner with department managers to ensure timely and effective on-the-job training.
• Ensure all SOPs and guidelines are accessible, understood, and consistently followed, holding managers accountable for compliance within their teams.
• Manage the performance evaluation process for hourly and management staff. Support department managers in preparing reviews, setting measurable goals, and ensuring timely and equitable merit increases.
• Drive HR initiatives and best practices to position the organization as an employer of choice and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and safety programs, and manage all workers’ compensation and guest liability claims.
• Oversee benefits administration, coordinating with providers for new hires and terminations, and supporting employees with FMLA and leave of absence processes, including premium collections.
• Oversee timekeeping and payroll processes, ensuring accurate scheduling, reporting, and payroll review/approval in coordination with department managers and leadership.
• Coach and support department managers in fostering a positive, learning-oriented environment. Provide guidance on employee relations issues and resolution strategies.
• Manage labor relations, including union contract compliance, grievance response, negotiations, and representation in arbitrations.
• Ensure clear and effective communication on all HR matters, providing timely, organized, and transparent reporting to the Managing Director and Ownership on HR, culture, and any issues impacting hotel performance

Experience and Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources practices and procedures.
• In-depth understanding of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, as well as 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.

Each of the items listed is considered an essential function of the position. However, the duties, responsibilities, and requirements presented in this job description are intended to be broad-based and high-level and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all roles or responsibilities for the position. The Company reserves the right to alter the duties and responsibilities of the position.