Assistant Director of Human Resources

Assistant Director of Human Resources

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as the department's second-in-command and primary operational leader. This position supports Human Resources operations across Meadowood Napa Valley, The Napa Valley Reserve, Southbridge Napa Valley, and Pizzeria Tra Vigne while ensuring compliance with employment laws, promoting best practices, and supporting a positive employee experience throughout the organization.

The Assistant Director partners closely with operational leaders to provide guidance on employment practices, workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee development, benefits administration, leave management, and compliance matters. The position acts as a trusted advisor to management and employees and serves on behalf of the Director of Human Resources when appropriate.

Unlike many hospitality organizations, Meadowood operates without a corporate Human Resources infrastructure. As a result, this role requires significant independence, strong business judgment, exceptional knowledge of California employment law, and the ability to effectively support multiple business entities in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.

• Serve as the primary operational partner to the Director of Human Resources.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Human Resources programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to managers regarding employment practices, policy interpretation, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support organizational initiatives designed to enhance employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Assume responsibility for Human Resources operations in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to managers throughout the organization.
• Provide support regarding performance management, attendance, accountability, employee development, and workplace concerns.
• Assist managers in administering corrective action and documentation processes.
• Support employee relations matters and partner with the Director of Human Resources on more complex situations.
• Promote consistency, fairness, and compliance in the application of company policies and practices.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, respect, and service excellence.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance regarding California Wage and Hour requirements, including meal periods, rest breaks, overtime, timekeeping, reporting time pay, and off-the-clock work prevention.
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll, scheduling, and timekeeping practices.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support leave administration, including CFRA, FMLA, ADA accommodations, Pregnancy Disability Leave, workers' compensation, and related programs.
• Partner with operational leaders to proactively identify and address compliance concerns before they become legal or operational risks.
• Lead recruiting efforts for exempt and non-exempt positions across all business entities.
• Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and develop recruiting strategies.
• Conduct interviews and assist managers throughout the hiring process.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation activities with the HR Coordinator.
• Support internal development, succession planning, and career growth initiatives.
• Monitor workforce trends and staffing metrics to support operational planning.
• Oversee day-to-day Human Resources operations and ensure timely completion of HR processes.
• Maintain employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
• Administer employee benefits programs and support annual open enrollment activities.
• Assist employees with benefits, leave, and Human Resources-related inquiries.
• Monitor workers' compensation claims and return-to-work programs, with our Safety team from ESS.
• Prepare reports, workforce metrics, and organizational analyses.
• Support departmental budgeting and administrative functions as assigned.
• Support leadership development and management training initiatives.
• Coordinate employee recognition and engagement programs.
• Assist in the delivery of compliance, leadership, and workplace training.
• Promote positive employee relations and strengthen organizational culture.
• Support efforts to develop employees and leaders throughout the organization.

Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration/Communications, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

Minimum of five years of progressive Human Resources experience.

Strong working knowledge of California employment law.

Demonstrated expertise in California Wage and Hour compliance.

Experience advising managers regarding performance management and employment practices.

Experience managing Worker's Comp, administering employee benefits and leave programs.

Experience with HRIS systems, payroll…