ABOUT THIS ROLEAt Proper, we believe hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to make lives better. The Assistant Director of People & Culture is a key steward of that belief, partnering closely with the Director of People & Culture to build and sustain a workplace where every colleague feels seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
This role leads day-to-day People & Culture operations across HR, employee engagement, talent acquisition, learning and development, and employee relations. The right candidate brings a genuine love for people, a commitment to excellence, and the resourcefulness to craft thoughtful solutions in a fast-moving, design-forward hospitality environment. Guided by the Pillars of Proper - Care Proper, Achieve Proper, Imagine Proper, and Present Proper - you will help shape a culture that inspires and transports not just our guests, but our team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESHR Operations & Compliance- Oversee day-to-day HR operations including employee relations, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HRIS management.
- Ensure consistent compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws, company policies, and industry best practices.
- Maintain accurate, confidential employee records in adherence to all applicable data privacy regulations.
- Implement HR programs and policies that improve operational efficiency and uphold Proper's standards of excellence.
Employee Engagement & Culture- Partner with the Director of People & Culture to design and deliver engagement initiatives that reinforce the Pillars of Proper and foster genuine belonging.
- Manage employee listening programs - surveys, feedback loops, and recognition initiatives - and translate insights into meaningful action.
- Champion a workplace culture where colleagues feel cared for, heard, and motivated to grow.
- Address employee concerns with sensitivity, fairness, and a sense of urgency, escalating issues when appropriate.
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding- Lead recruitment and onboarding processes that reflect the Proper experience from first contact, ensuring new colleagues feel welcomed from day one.
- Collaborate with department leaders to identify talent needs, close gaps, and build proactive sourcing strategies.
- Manage the full candidate pipeline: screen, interview, and extend offers to top-tier hospitality professionals.
- Develop onboarding experiences that connect new hires to the Proper mission, culture, and team.
Performance Management & Development- Support the performance management cycle, including goal setting, coaching conversations, and development planning.
- Identify high-potential colleagues and contribute to succession planning and leadership pipeline programs.
- Advise managers and supervisors on performance issues and the development of improvement plans.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning by developing and delivering training programs across the organization.
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution- Serve as a trusted, objective resource for employee relations matters including conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and workplace investigations.
- Navigate sensitive situations with emotional intelligence, fairness, and clear alignment to Proper's values and policies.
- Foster open communication between colleagues and leadership, helping to resolve concerns before they escalate.
Compensation & Benefits- Support the administration of competitive, equitable compensation and benefits programs across health, retirement, and wellness.
- Monitor market trends to ensure Proper remains a compelling destination for top hospitality talent.
- Assist with benefits enrollment, plan communications, and colleague inquiries.
HR Reporting & Analytics- Collect and analyze key HR metrics - including turnover, engagement scores, and time-to-fill - to surface trends and opportunities.
- Deliver clear, actionable reports to the Director of People & Culture and senior leadership.
- Use data to make evidence-based recommendations that strengthen HR practices and organizational outcomes.
Leadership & Organizational Development- Partner with the Director of People & Culture to equip leaders with the tools, frameworks, and coaching to manage their teams effectively.
- Support organizational change initiatives by communicating clearly, building alignment, and modeling Proper's values throughout transitions.
- Serve as a visible, approachable presence for colleagues at all levels - someone the team trusts and turns to.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field strongly preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience, including HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, and talent management.
- Prior experience in a hospitality environment - preferably luxury or lifestyle - strongly preferred.
- Previous leadership or managerial HR role preferred.
- Solid knowledge of labor laws, HR best practices, and performance management frameworks.
- SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent HR certification preferred.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES- A natural host and people champion - someone who genuinely cares about the colleague experience and shows it every day.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization.
- Strategic thinker who can align HR initiatives to business goals without losing sight of the human element.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive situations with grace and clarity.
- Resourceful problem-solver who brings creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset to every challenge.
- Able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms; experience with Workday a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Ability to work in an office and hotel environment, including extended periods at a desk.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for event-related or office tasks.
- Occasional travel required for recruitment events, conferences, and multi-property needs.
