Director - People & Culture

Position: DIRECTOR - PEOPLE & CULTURE
Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of People & Culture is a strategic and cultural leader responsible for championing the employee experience across all departments of the hotel and casino. This role redefines traditional HR functions by focusing on purpose-driven leadership, culture alignment, talent development, and inclusive workplace practices. The Director will lead initiatives that promote a high-performance environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional guest service.

Culture & Engagement:

• Lead cultural initiatives that reinforce the hotel & casino's values, brand promise, and guest service philosophy.
• Design and implement engagement strategies that foster inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety.
• Serve as the guardian of organizational culture, coaching leaders to model behaviors that reflect company values.

Talent Experience:

• Oversee full-cycle talent processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and career development, with a focus on diversity and cultural alignment.
• Champion internal mobility, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
• Curate and evolve recognition and wellness programs that support employee morale and well-being.

Strategic People Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, aligning People & Culture strategy with business goals.
• Interpret workforce analytics to guide decisions in staffing, retention, and engagement.
• Lead organizational development efforts during periods of change, growth, or transformation.

Operational Excellence & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, tribal, and federal employment regulations, including gaming-related labor laws.
• Maintain effective HRIS administration, payroll integrity, and confidential personnel records.
• Oversee investigations, conflict resolution, and progressive discipline with fairness and consistency.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE :

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Organizational Leadership, Hospitality, or related field (Master's or HR certification preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in HR/People leadership, with at least 3 years in a hospitality or gaming environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in culture-building, organizational development, and management change.
• Strong understanding of labor law, employee relations, and service-based leadership.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead through emotional intelligence.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for people and hospitality
• Inclusive and emotionally intelligent leader
• Strategic thinker with a bias toward action
• Strong ethical compass and high integrity
• Culturally fluent and relationship-driven

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the People & Culture Department

WORK SCHEDULE/HOURS:

• Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and special events.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Gaming License Registration

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the physical ability to access all areas of the facility; move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects; withstand prolonged standing, stretching, bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying items weighing at least 50 lbs. without restriction.
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
• Physical stamina and proper mental attitude to work under pressure; work indoors and outdoors, as well as being exposed to hot/cold surfaces, steam, and wet floors.
• Most work tasks are performed indoors; however, there are events where outdoor activities are required. Indoor temperatures are moderate and controlled by internal environmental systems.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, busy, and noisy environment.

Plaza is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Plaza will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.