Director of People & Culture

Why us? At Hotel Commonwealth, nestled in the heart of Fenway, we start with a simple belief: every guest’s story is unique, and so is the way we serve them. Our approach isn’t scripted, printed, or tucked away in a handbook—it’s woven into the DNA of who we are. Here, unscripted hospitality is more than a phrase; it’s how we turn every interaction into something memorable, authentic, and entirely our own. From our stylish rooms and extraordinary suites to the coveted views of Fenway Park, every corner of our hotel radiates legendary urban charm. We invite you to share your love for Boston—its vibrancy, quirks, and endless energy—with our guests. Our team thrives on details, delights in exceeding expectations, and takes pride in being unmatched hosts to travelers from across the globe. This is more than just a role—it’s a chance to bring fresh perspective, creative flair, and new ideas to an already celebrated hotel. Together, we create experiences guests will never forget, and moments we’ll be proud of long after they’ve checked out. Job Overview The purpose of this role is to design, align, and execute a People & Culture strategy that supports both the strategic and operational objectives of the business. The People & Culture Director leads all People & Culture (Human Resources) functions at the property, balancing compliance, culture, and performance while addressing both challenges and opportunities. This role serves as a strategic advisor to the Hotel Executive Committee on all people-related matters and partners closely with the General Manager, with functional alignment and guidance from the Regional Director of People & Culture. The People & Culture Director is responsible for leading talent strategy, associate engagement, compliance, risk mitigation, and workforce planning while ensuring alignment with Sage Hospitality Group values, policies, brand standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and implements scalable solutions that elevate the associate experience and business outcomes. Responsibilities Talent Management Plan, develop, coordinate, and lead all People & Culture functions at the property to attract, develop, motivate, and retain associates in a compliant, inclusive, and performance-driven environment. Lead recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding strategies for hourly and leadership roles, ensuring alignment with Sage standards, brand expectations, and legal requirements. Oversee performance management practices, including completion of evaluations and facilitation of performance improvement plans in partnership with leaders. Ensure staffing models and workforce plans align with business needs, service standards, and financial objectives. Training Assess organizational needs and plan, implement, and oversee training programs for hourly, supervisory, and management associates, including Sage core training and brand-required programs. Partner with leaders to strengthen leadership capability, reduce risk, and build consistent management practices across the property. Associate Relations Counsel and coach leaders on associate relations matters, including performance, conduct, and conflict resolution. Oversee investigations, grievance resolution, and exit interview processes, analyzing trends and recommending corrective actions. Design and implement associate engagement and relations initiatives that foster trust, inclusion, and retention. Develop and manage budgets related to associate relations, training, recruitment advertising, and People & Culture staffing. Lead and supervise People & Culture operations at the property, including coaching, development, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary. Ensure consistent, timely, and equitable administration of associate relations practices. Strategic Management Provide short- and long-term People & Culture planning aligned with hotel goals and Sage strategy. Establish People & Culture objectives and metrics that support operational excellence and cultural health. Serve as an active member of the Hotel Executive Committee, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making. Position the property as an employer of choice through community partnerships, branding, and associate advocacy. Proactively identify potential risk or liability and notify the General Manager and Regional Director of People & Culture with recommended mitigation strategies. Total Rewards Partner in the administration of hourly wage structures and leadership compensation programs in alignment with corporate guidelines and legal requirements. Communicate, administer, and support benefit programs in accordance with corporate policies, ensuring associates understand available offerings and enrollment processes. Recommend enhancements to compensation or benefits programs through appropriate approval channels. Risk/Safety/Security Ensure safety, accident prevention, and security practices are followed consistently. Align property safety standards with corporate SOPs and establish property-specific practices as appropriate. Compliance Ensure compliance with all Sage policies, brand standards, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Maintain oversight of associate records, files, and People & Culture systems to ensure audit readiness and confidentiality. Oversee People & Culture reporting, analyzing trends and providing leadership with accurate, actionable insights. Ensure compliance with union agreements, if applicable, including reporting and contractual obligations. Oversee and ensure accurate People & Culture transactions through UKG workflows, including hires, terminations, transfers, and compensation changes. Qualifications Education/Formal Training Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field, or equivalent education and experience preferred. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and/or SHRM Certified Professional preferred Experience Four to five years of progressive experience in People & Culture (Human Resources) or a related field. Demonstrated success implementing people strategies, programs, and process improvements. Union experience preferred, where applicable. Knowledge/Skills Strong executive-level communication and influencing skills. Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and partner effectively with leaders and stakeholders. Bilingual fluency preferred. Strong hospitality orientation with the ability to manage complexity and ambiguity. High level of judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and compliance. Strong literacy and comprehension skills required for review and preparation of People & Culture documentation. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying materials approximately 5 percent of the time. Occasional bending or kneeling to access files. Mobility throughout the hotel, with a significant portion of the day spent engaging with associates and leaders. Periodic standing during training and associate engagement activities. Driving may be required occasionally for hearings, meetings, or recruitment activities. Environment 95% indoor office Benefits Why You'll Love Working at Sage Exceptional Benefits & Perks: Explore & Save Enjoy exclusive discounts at Sage Hotels & Restaurants nationwide—your gateway to unforgettable experiences across the country. Comprehensive Health Coverage We've got you covered with medical, vision, and dental insurance because your well-being matters. Prime Location Work in the heart of the city with easy access to public transportation—skip the commute stress. Fuel Your Shift Complimentary meal every shift. Great food, on us. Commuter Benefits Take advantage of our Perq Program partnership with MBTA for seamless, affordable transit. Join a Culture That Celebrates You At Sage, you're part of a community. We're building something special: a place where creativity thrives, passion drives every detail, and belonging isn't just a buzzword; it's who we are. Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Let's create the future of hospitality together. Salary USD $130,000.00 - USD $140,000.00 /Yr. Talent Management Plan, develop, coordinate, and lead all People & Culture functions at the property to attract, develop, motivate, and retain associates in a compliant, inclusive, and performance-driven environment. Lead recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding strategies for hourly and leadership roles, ensuring alignment with Sage standards, brand expectations, and legal requirements. Oversee performance management practices, including completion of evaluations and facilitation of performance improvement plans in partnership with leaders. Ensure staffing models and workforce plans align with business needs, service standards, and financial objectives. Training Assess organizational needs and plan, implement, and oversee training programs for hourly, supervisory, and management associates, including Sage core training and brand-required programs. Partner with leaders to strengthen leadership capability, reduce risk, and build consistent management practices across the property. Associate Relations Counsel and coach leaders on associate relations matters, including performance, conduct, and conflict resolution. Oversee investigations, grievance resolution, and exit interview processes, analyzing trends and recommending corrective actions. Design and implement associate engagement and relations initiatives that foster trust, inclusion, and retention. Develop and manage budgets related to associate relations, training, recruitment advertising, and People & Culture staffing. Lead and supervise People & Culture operations at the property, including coaching, development, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary. Ensure consistent, timely, and equitable administration of associate relations practices. Strategic Management Provide short- and long-term People & Culture planning aligned with hotel goals and Sage strategy. Establish People & Culture objectives and metrics that support operational excellence and cultural health. Serve as an active member of the Hotel Executive Committee, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making. Position the property as an employer of choice through community partnerships, branding, and associate advocacy. Proactively identify potential risk or liability and notify the General Manager and Regional Director of People & Culture with recommended mitigation strategies. Total Rewards Partner in the administration of hourly wage structures and leadership compensation programs in alignment with corporate guidelines and legal requirements. Communicate, administer, and support benefit programs in accordance with corporate policies, ensuring associates understand available offerings and enrollment processes. Recommend enhancements to compensation or benefits programs through appropriate approval channels. Risk/Safety/Security Ensure safety, accident prevention, and security practices are followed consistently. Align property safety standards with corporate SOPs and establish property-specific practices as appropriate. Compliance Ensure compliance with all Sage policies, brand standards, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Maintain oversight of associate records, files, and People & Culture systems to ensure audit readiness and confidentiality. Oversee People & Culture reporting, analyzing trends and providing leadership with accurate, actionable insights. Ensure compliance with union agreements, if applicable, including reporting and contractual obligations. Oversee and ensure accurate People & Culture transactions through UKG workflows, including hires, terminations, transfers, and compensation changes. Education/Formal Training Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field, or equivalent education and experience preferred. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and/or SHRM Certified Professional preferred Experience Four to five years of progressive experience in People & Culture (Human Resources) or a related field. Demonstrated success implementing people strategies, programs, and process improvements. Union experience preferred, where applicable. Knowledge/Skills Strong executive-level communication and influencing skills. Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and partner effectively with leaders and stakeholders. Bilingual fluency preferred. Strong hospitality orientation with the ability to manage complexity and ambiguity. High level of judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and compliance. Strong literacy and comprehension skills required for review and preparation of People & Culture documentation. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying materials approximately 5 percent of the time. Occasional bending or kneeling to access files. Mobility throughout the hotel, with a significant portion of the day spent engaging with associates and leaders. Periodic standing during training and associate engagement activities. Driving may be required occasionally for hearings, meetings, or recruitment activities. Environment 95% indoor office