Vice President Human Resources

The Vice President of Human Resources oversees HR operations for a prestigious portfolio of 16 luxury hotels and residences. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving organizational transformation and establishing, enforcing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure strict legal compliance.

The VP of HR embodies a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit, leading with empathy and a hands-on approach. They excel at identifying and executing long-range strategic talent management goals, integrating deeply into the business fabric to deliver practical solutions at every level. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this position is based at our New York Corporate HQ.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and communicate long-term mission and goals and operate as a senior business leader with insights and contributions to the company’s overall strategy, priorities and future direction.
• Researches, develops, and implements competitive compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, and employee incentive programs.
• Provides guidance and leadership to the human resource management team; assists with resolution of human resource, compensation, and benefits questions, concerns, and issues.
• Ensures compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, human resources, and talent management.
• Drafts and implements the organization’s staffing budget, and the budget for the human resource department.
• Evaluate, enhance and lead the HR function, including employer branding, talent acquisition, talent development and learning, resource management, employee engagement and culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, HRIS, and payroll.
• Lead the initiation, creation and deployment of innovative HR programs that address the unique needs of a fast growing, multi-faceted business across a geographically dispersed Team Member population.
• Ensure the company makes the correct interpretation and implementation of federal and state labor laws, OSHA, EEO, compensation and payout requirements, pension plans, taxes, and any other laws regarding employees. Must have respect for confidentiality and compliance setups.
• Handle any disciplinary actions, terminations, or lay-offs.
• Oversee the HR contracts between the company and its employees, partners, vendors, and contractors. Update and implement policies for company HR commitments including hiring, firing, and workplace complaints.
• Manage non-compete agreements, confidentiality, and compensation structures, all ensuring the goals and interests of the company.
• Update and maintain the company’s employee handbooks.
• Collaborate with leaders and colleagues at all levels of the organization to cultivate, reinforce and evolve the company’s culture. Be a role model and champion for diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Partner with CEO, COO and General Counsel to manage and lead acquisitions as part of the company’s overall growth strategy, integrating employees, systems and processes effectively and rapidly. Ensure that acquired entities and teams become immersed in the culture and are welcomed into the organization.
• Advise and support on talent development and succession planning, compensation and benefits and other critical priorities.
• Onboard executive level talent, bringing the best people to the company and setting them up for success.
• Collaborate with the company’s legal department to ensure key responsibilities are accomplished in a legally compliant manner.
• Participates in professional development and networking conferences and events.

Desired Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Experience with varied HIRS systems
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in a VP of HR or senior HR role with relevant experience within hotel brands of similar scope with the ability to drive results to scale both the business and the HR function.
• 10+ years of experience of human resource management experience with an in depth understanding of all functional areas.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Certification in PHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP is strongly desired.
• Prior experience with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence and integrations.
• Prior experience overseeing union relations

Our Team Members enjoy generous PTO; Health; Dental; Vision benefit plans and 401(k) with Company match. We recognize and promote top performers because we know that our success is due to your achievements!

AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences is a part of Korman Communities, a family owned and operated company, we consider our Team Members the most important asset. With over 100 years of history and experience behind us we’re always looking for Team Members ready to join our family. AKA Hotels provide short stay accommodations with a high‐quality, livable experience. Now for the first time, the friendly service and attention to detail travelers have come to expect from AKA is available nightly and weekly stays.