SVP, People & Labor Strategy – NYC Hotels

Highgate; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Highgate Hotels is seeking a Senior Vice President, Human Resources – New York Hotels, to lead people strategy across our New York portfolio. This role partners with GMs, regional and corporate leadership, and union representatives to drive performance, compliance, and a high-performance culture in a highly unionized environment.

The SVP will oversee talent strategy, succession planning, leadership development, and complex employee relations matters, ensuring alignment with business objectives

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, including multi-unit or unionized hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of New York labor laws and NY labor relations practices.
• Proven ability to influence senior operators and General Managers in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent executive communication, writing, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior HR partner for New York hotels, aligning people priorities with performance and guest experience.
• Lead labor relations strategy, arbitration readiness, and contract interpretation discussions.
• Coach GMs and HR leaders on organization design, succession, and workforce planning.
• Manage HR processes, budgeting, compliance, and reporting across properties.
• Travel within the New York market to support leadership and operations.

Skills

HR leadership

Labor relations

New York hotel HR

Executive communication

People strategy

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR / Business / Hospitality / Labor Relations

Advanced degree or HR certification

Tools

HRIS

Applicant Tracking System

Job description

Highgate Hotels is seeking a Senior Vice President, Human Resources – New York Hotels, to lead people strategy across our New York portfolio. This role partners with GMs, regional and corporate leadership, and union representatives to drive performance, compliance, and a high-performance culture in a highly unionized environment.

The SVP will oversee talent strategy, succession planning, leadership development, and complex employee relations matters, ensuring alignment with business objectives