Assistant Director, People & Culture Full-time

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Victoria; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury hotel chain in Victoria, BC, seeks an Assistant Director, People & Culture to enhance HR strategies and foster a positive workplace culture. The role requires strong leadership skills, HR experience in hospitality, and knowledge of Labour Relations. The successful candidate will have opportunities for career growth and benefits at one of Canada's top hotels.

Benefits

Training and career development opportunities

Employee benefit card for discounts at Accor properties

Comprehensive benefits and wellness programs

Complimentary meals during shifts

Access to a company-matched pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years hospitality experience in a Human Resources leadership position.
• Strong understanding of Labour Relations and collective bargaining.
• Proven ability to develop trusting relationships and foster open environments.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to align HR strategies.
• Lead the People & Culture team, offering mentorship and guidance.
• Advise on HR policies, workplace safety, and best practices.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

University/College degree in Human Resources Management

CPHR qualification

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Company: Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC. Recognized as the #1 Best Canadian Hotel in Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards. A Forbes recommended and MICHELIN key hotel with 431 guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Spa, Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and regionally focused cocktails. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with harbour views. The property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 and introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience in 2023. 88 Fairmont Gold rooms and a renovated lounge are available. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes the grounds as among the Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens in the World.

Job Description: The Assistant Director, People & Culture partners with the Director of People & Culture to assess organizational needs, design and implement strategic HR solutions, and lead the effective operation of the department. This role fosters a workplace culture rooted in trust, communication, and professional development, while ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.

What Is In It For You

• Wonderful company culture – our colleagues are at the heart of all we do
• Excellent training with the opportunity to build a successful career
• Career development opportunities with national and international promotion opportunities
• Learning programs through our Academies designed to sharpen your skills
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor properties worldwide and additional benefits for Fairmont and Raffles colleagues
• Exclusive Employee and Friends & Family Discounts at Fairmont Empress
• Exclusive access to the Pacific Northwest Food & Beverage Discount Program with 50% off at our dining destinations in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler
• Complimentary meal during your shift through our Colleague Dining Program
• Complimentary uniform laundering
• Access to our comprehensive benefits and wellness programs, including extended healthcare benefits and RMT, dental, and vision
• Complimentary counseling, wellness sessions, financial and family planning through our Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP)
• Opportunity to develop your talent through coaching and Leadership Mentoring Programs
• Opportunity to participate in our Leadership Incentive Program
• Competitive salary starting at $81,200

What You Will Be Doing

Strategic Partnership & Leadership

• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to assess organizational needs and align HR strategies in employee relations, recruitment and retention, performance management, colleague wellness, benefits, recognition, and leadership development.
• Lead and provide guidance to the People & Culture team, offering mentorship, professional development, and administrative support where required.
• Serve as a role model within the hotel, demonstrating leadership behaviors aligned with organizational values and culture.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Counsel and coach colleagues and leaders on career development, performance management, disciplinary matters, and workplace concerns.
• Foster positive colleague relations with open communication, trust, mutual respect, and recognition.
• Develop and implement engagement and recognition initiatives, including communication strategies, colleague recognition programs, employee of the month, bulletin boards, and activation events.
• Organize, attend, and participate in employee functions and activations to strengthen workplace culture and engagement.
• Conduct exit interviews with departing colleagues and analyze feedback to provide insights and recommendations for leadership.

Policy, Compliance & Advisory Support

• Advise on interpretation and consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and applicable employment legislation, labor laws, and the Collective Agreement.
• Provide up-to-date guidance to leadership on developments in employment standards, workplace safety, and best practices.

HR Administration & Systems

• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of the People & Culture office.
• Manage the HRIS, ensuring data integrity, accurate recordkeeping, and effective report writing.
• Respond to HR-related inquiries with timely, accurate, and supportive communication.
• Prepare and distribute monthly HR statistics and departmental reports, including workforce analytics and health and safety metrics, to inform data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• University/College degree or diploma; formal education in Human Resources Management is advantageous.
• A CPHR qualification or working toward CPHR is advantageous.
• Minimum of three years hospitality experience in a Human Resources leadership position.
• Strong understanding of Labour Relations – collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to develop trusting relationships and foster an open environment aligned with the hotel’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Track record in addressing and resolving difficult issues at all employee levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with professional maturity, leadership, and business acumen.
• Self-confident, creative and proactive, able to prioritize and make effective decisions.
• Strong computer and technical skills across various platforms.

Additional Information

• Physical aspects: office duties, occasional lifting up to 30 lbs, standing, walking, and repetitive motions during shifts.
• Visa Requirements: Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel cannot assist with obtaining Canadian work authorization.

Team & Working Environment

Welcome to Canada’s Castle on the Coast. The Empress Hotel sits at the center of culture and history in Victoria, BC. This is a blend of classic and contemporary hospitality, inviting you to join our team of hospitality experts.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are an inclusive company and aim to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor?

Accor offers opportunities to grow and learn every day. By joining Accor, your story is yours to write as part of a global hospitality family. Visit https://careers.accor.com/ for more information. Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo. #BELIMITLESS