Churchill Downs

Senior Manager Human Resources

Churchill Downs$80K — $95K *
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field
  • Minimum of three years of progressive HR experience, particularly in employee relations
  • HR leadership or management experience preferred
  • Human Resources certification preferred
  • Experience in hospitality, gaming, entertainment, or high-volume customer-focused environment is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a strategic partner to leadership, enhancing HR services for Team Members
  • Develop and execute recruitment and onboarding strategies to attract qualified candidates
  • Manage the HR department budget, ensuring effective planning and cost control
  • Provide guidance to leaders on employee relations and performance management
  • Lead engagement initiatives and communication programs to enhance Team Member experience
  • Oversee performance review and compensation processes for timely execution
  • Monitor compliance with employment laws and regulations to maintain HR best practices

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Access to a vibrant work culture with recognition programs
  • Involvement in community and Team Member special events
  • Support for career advancement and talent development
  • Flexible scheduling options
Full Job Description
At Derby City Gaming Downtown, gaming enthusiasts can enjoy nearly 500 of the most popular games, Fascinator Wine Bar and Trophy Bourbon & Cigars Bar, sports bar with live entertainment most weekends and a Kentucky Derby Gift Shop.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Human Resources Manager provides strategic and operational leadership in support of the property's Team Members, leaders, and business objectives. This position is responsible for the effective administration and continuous improvement of human resources programs, policies, and practices, including employee relations, staffing and recruitment, performance management, compensation, benefits, workers' compensation, engagement, training, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a senior member of the Human Resources team and strategic business partner to property leadership, providing exceptional service and support to Team Members and department leaders.
  • Partner with department leaders to develop and execute effective recruitment, selection, onboarding, and staffing strategies that attract and retain qualified talent.
  • Lead and manage the Human Resources department budget, including planning, monitoring, forecasting, and cost-control initiatives.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and counsel to leaders regarding employee relations, performance management, corrective action, policy interpretation, and other employment-related matters.
  • Lead property recognition programs, Team Member communications, engagement initiatives, and special events that support a positive Team Member experience.
  • Lead the annual goal setting, development, and feedback process. Establish and communicate procedures, expectations, and timelines while providing guidance and support to leaders and Team Members.
  • Manage the property's performance review and compensation processes, ensuring timely and consistent execution, alignment with organizational objectives, and adherence to established guidelines and practices.
  • Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential personnel records and ensure required documentation is complete and maintained in accordance with company policies and applicable federal and state requirements.
  • Respond to employment-related inquiries from applicants, Team Members, and department leaders and appropriately escalate complex, sensitive, or high-risk matters.
  • Manage the worker's compensation processes and related programs, working with department leaders to effectively control and reduce lost time injuries.
  • Monitor and promote compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, company policies, and Human Resources practices.
  • Partner with leadership and corporate Human Resources to implement company initiatives, programs, policies, and process improvements at the property level.
  • Stay current on HR trends, employment legislation, best practices, and new technologies within the department.
  • Facilitate Human Resources training and development programs and present information effectively to Team Members, leaders, and groups of varying sizes.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Human Resources processes, systems, and service delivery through data, reporting, feedback, and operational insights.
  • Support talent development and succession planning efforts to strengthen the property's leadership pipeline and promote career growth.
  • Promote a workplace culture built on accountability, respect, inclusion, collaboration, and exceptional service.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Team Members, leaders, applicants, and the public.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong working knowledge of Human Resources principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage sensitive matters, and make effective recommendations.
  • Excellent time-management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to facilitate training and confidently present information to individuals and groups.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other HR-related systems and technologies.
  • Ability to build trust and credibility with Team Members and leaders at all levels of the organization.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of progressive Human Resources experience, with demonstrated experience supporting leaders and managing employee relations matters.
  • Human Resources leadership or management experience preferred.
  • Human Resources certification preferred.
  • Experience in hospitality, gaming, entertainment, or another high-volume, customer-focused environment preferred.
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid gaming license, where applicable.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

  • The employee will be required to sit for extended periods of time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be required to stand; walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • Team Member may be asked to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
  • Team Member may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
  • The Team Member may be exposed to smoke when on the floor of the gaming room.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Already Work Here?

Here's a link to apply internally:

Employee Login

About Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is a leading entertainment company that operates a variety of businesses, including horse racing, casino gaming, and online wagering. The company is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Churchill Downs is committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience for its customers, while also promoting responsible gaming and supporting the communities in which it operates.
Learn more about Churchill Downs
Size
5,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$81.9 million
Founded
1875
5 Year Trend
+14.2%
Revenue
$1 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Churchill Downs

More Hospitality & Recreation Jobs

Find similar Senior Manager Human Resources jobs: