Director of Human Resources - The Nell New York
Aspen Skiing Company · New York, New York, United States
Nell Hotels is a collection of distinctive luxury hotels and residences united by a shared commitment to warm, intuitive hospitality, cultural connection and unparalleled access. Founded on the legacy of The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado, the portfolio includes The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel; the Residences at The Little Nell; and The Nell New York, opening in 2027 as the first hotel within Rockefeller Center and New York City’s only Relais & Châteaux property.
At each Nell Hotels property, the guest experience is guided by four defining pillars: creating a sense of home, unveiling distinctive access, engaging with intention and sparking après energy. Rooted in the belief that true luxury is defined by familiarity, Nell Hotels creates deeply personal experiences that make guests feel welcomed, recognized and connected to the destinations they visit.
For more information, visit Nell Hotels | Luxury Hotels in Aspen & New York. Please note that all official communications from the Talent Acquisition or Human Resources team are sent from email addresses within the notifications@smartrecruiters.com, aspen.com, aspensnowmass.com, aspenhospitality.co, limelighthotels.com & thelittlenell.com domains.
Position Summary
The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and oversight of all HR functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, training and development, payroll, HRIS administration, and career development, while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws and company policies. This role partners with hotel leadership and corporate HR to advance organizational goals, implement strategic initiatives, and foster a positive, inclusive, and employee-centric culture. As a champion of the brand, the Director of Human Resources promotes colleague engagement, community involvement, professional development, and a culture of service excellence that inspires exceptional guest experiences. This position reports to the VP of Human Resources.
The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $200,000. Actual pay will be dependent on budget and experience; all our salaried roles are eligible for bonus.
Job Posting Deadline
Applications for this position will be accepted until November 29, 2026.
Essential Job Functions/Key Job Responsibilities
• Oversee the implementation and administration of comprehensive Human Resources programs, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, training and development, employee records, workplace safety, succession planning, employee relations, retention, and equal employment opportunity compliance
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives, including performance management, coaching, counseling, disciplinary action, employee communications, annual performance reviews, and merit planning
• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that support business goals, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and a positive employee experience
• Lead HR operational initiatives by analyzing workforce trends, evaluating key performance metrics, improving processes, and advancing productivity, service quality, workplace safety, security, and employee engagement
• Oversee HR budgeting and financial planning, including forecasting resource requirements, monitoring expenditures, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions
• Lead special projects and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying priorities, researching solutions, coordinating stakeholders, monitoring milestones, and evaluating outcomes
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to management on employee relations, organizational development, talent management, performance, and other people-related matters.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the HR team, fostering accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and an employee-centric culture
• Guide managers and employees in the consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and organizational values while promoting fairness, accountability, and positive workplace relationships
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations by monitoring legislative changes, assessing business impacts, and advising leadership on appropriate actions
• Partner with legal counsel and corporate HR on employee relations matters, wage and hour compliance, unemployment claims, workers’ compensation, OSHA requirements, audits, subpoenas, and other employment-related proceedings
• Promote consistent documentation, fair and equitable practices, appropriate escalation, and timely resolution of employee concerns, investigations, and labor-related matters
• Maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of employee information and sensitive organizational records in accordance with applicable policies and legal requirements
• Maintain current knowledge of HR best practices, industry trends, and regulatory developments through professional development, benchmarking, continuing education, and participation in relevant professional organizations
• Other duties as assigned
Education & Experience Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably within the hospitality industry
• Minimum of 3 years of people leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams
• Proven success leading Human Resources operations within a New York City hotel or a comparable hospitality environment
• Prior hotel opening experience preferred
• Professional HR certification preferred, such as PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong working knowledge of New York State and New York City employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated professional integrity and sound business judgment
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret HR data and generate actionable insights
• Proficiency in HRIS, timekeeping, and talent management systems; experience with Kronos and SmartRecruiters preferred. Knowledge of workers’ compensation claims processing and return-to-work (RTW) processes highly desirable
• Comprehensive knowledge of talent acquisition, development, and management, including recruitment, leadership competencies, talent assessments, succession planning, and performance management
• Knowledge of workforce analytics, safety, risk management, and current Human Resources trends and best practices
• Understanding and practical application of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and EEO requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines
Work Environment & Physical Demands
• Ability to stand, type and sit at desk/computer for most of the work shift executing repetitive movements
• No adverse or hazardous conditions
• Not required, but preferred to be able to occasionally lift, push or pull 25 lbs. individually or with assistance
Job Benefits
This position is classified as a regular full-time position eligible for the following benefits:
Enrollment dates differ across the various programs.
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Programs
• Flexible Spending Account Programs
• Life Insuran