Human Resources Manager

Canopy by Hilton New York 34th Street; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Canopy by Hilton New York 34th Street is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager for the hotel’s pre-opening team in New York City. You will lead recruitment, onboarding, payroll setup, training, and employee relations to help build a strong, inclusive culture from the ground up.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will partner with leaders to forecast staffing, implement development programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and support engagement initiatives for a 365-room lifestyle

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years HR experience in hotel/hospitality industry.
• Experience with pre-opening hotel staffing and HR processes.
• Strong knowledge of NY labor laws and OSHA basics.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening recruitment for hourly and management roles.
• Oversee onboarding, payroll setup, and new-hire documentation.
• Develop training and development programs for all levels.
• Manage employee relations and investigations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with NY laws and brand standards.
• Foster a people-first, inclusive culture across departments.

Skills

Leadership

Employee relations

Communication

Recruitment & onboarding

Payroll admin

Compliance

HR policies

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree (HR / Hospitality / Business)

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

ATS

Time & attendance

Job description

Be part of our Pre-Opening Team!

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Human Resources Manager to join the pre-opening team for the first and flagship Canopy hotel in New York City.

Located in the heart of the Penn District, at the corner of 34th Street and 8th Avenue, this 365-room, design-forward lifestyle hotel will feature extensive food & beverage offerings and serve as a brand showcase for Canopy in NYC, steps from Madison Square Garden and Hudson Yards.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Human Resources Manager will lead and administer all aspects of the hotel’s Human Resources function. This individual will play a critical role in building the hotel team from the ground up and creating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

The Human Resources Manager will support the hotel’s operational leadership team while overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training and development, payroll administration, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, and retention.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead pre-opening recruitment and staffing efforts for hourly and management positions across all hotel departments.
• Partner with the General Manager and department leaders to identify staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.
• Manage the full onboarding process for new team members, including HR/payroll system entry, new-hire documentation, orientation, and required training.
• Conduct new hire orientation and ensure team members are properly introduced to the hotel’s culture, expectations, brand standards, and service philosophy.
• Build and sustain a people-centered culture grounded in teamwork, accountability, trust, respect, and inclusion.
• Administer and monitor hotel training and development programs and facilitate training sessions as needed.
• Partner with department leaders to identify development opportunities and support team members' professional growth and advancement.
• Monitor performance management and appraisal programs to ensure evaluations are completed in a timely manner and goals are measurable and attainable.
• Provide guidance and counseling to managers and team members regarding performance, workplace concerns, policies, and employee relations matters.
• Manage employee relations activities and conduct workplace investigations when appropriate.
• Oversee property payroll administration and partner with department leaders to ensure payroll information is timely and accurate.
• Oversee wage and benefits administration and ensure information is properly communicated and maintained.
• Maintain confidential employee and Human Resources records and ensure all required federal, New York State, New York City, company, and brand documentation is properly maintained.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, company policies, and brand standards.
• Support workplace safety initiatives and maintain appropriate OSHA-related documentation and reporting.
• Serve as the property HR contact for employee incidents, workplace accidents, workers' compensation, and other employment-related matters.
• Develop and administer team member engagement and recognition programs, including celebrations, service awards, social events, and hotel-wide meetings.
• Plan and execute team member appreciation and special events that support engagement, retention, and a strong workplace culture.
• Maintain a visible, approachable Human Resources presence throughout the hotel and build strong relationships across departments.
• Partner closely with hotel leadership and Corporate Human Resources on employee relations, compliance, training, talent development, and organizational initiatives.
• Support employee engagement surveys and develop action plans in partnership with hotel leadership based on feedback and results.
• Monitor HR-related brand standards and ensure the property is prepared for applicable audits and compliance reviews.
• Assist leadership with workforce planning, retention strategies, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Essential Qualifications

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and establish trust with team members and leaders at all levels.
• Strong knowledge of Human Resources practices, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and payroll administration.
• Working knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and OSHA requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong judgment and the ability to address employee relations matters fairly, consistently, and professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience working with HRIS, payroll, and applicant tracking systems.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work independently while remaining highly collaborative with hotel leadership.
• Passion for developing people and creating an environment where team members feel supported, valued, and empowered.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of Human Resources experience within the hotel/hospitality industry, with previous HR management experience required.
• Previous New York City hotel experience preferred.
• Pre-opening or hotel opening experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting a full-service, lifestyle, luxury, or similarly complex hotel environment preferred.
• Experience supporting significant food & beverage operations is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience recruiting and onboarding both hourly and management-level hotel positions.
• Must be self-motivated, solutions-oriented, highly organized, and capable of working with limited supervision.
• Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to team culture, employee development, engagement, and hospitality.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are highly preferred due to the role’s regular interaction with Spanish-speaking team members.

Why You Will Enjoy This Job

• Be part of the opening team for the first Canopy hotel in New York City.
• Help build the hotel's team and workplace culture from the ground up.
• Play an integral role in a high-profile, 365-room flagship opening in one of New York City's most dynamic neighborhoods.
• Work alongside hotel leadership to create a collaborative, inclusive, and people-first environment.
• Join a company that values teamwork, professional development, engagement, and long-term growth.

Salary: $75,000- $85,000 per year

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $75,000- 85,000 per year. The salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, qualifications, education, and industry experience.

In compliance with federal law, all hired persons must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form (Form I-9) upon hire.

Source: Hospitality Online