HR Director

Company Overview

Highgate is a prominent real estate investment and hospitality management firm managing assets valued over $15 billion. Their portfolio spans 400+ hotels across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With three decades of innovation in hospitality, they guide properties through all lifecycle stages, including planning, development, recapitalization, and disposition. Highgate's portfolio features bespoke lifestyle brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels with contemporary programs and digital expertise. Industry-leading revenue management tools help maximize asset value. The company operates globally with experienced hotel leaders and corporate offices worldwide.

Location

The role is based at ROK Hotel and Residences in Kingston, Jamaica. ROK Hotel is a centerpiece of downtown Kingston's revitalization, offering luxury accommodations and a modern hospitality approach linking guests and residents with local culture, dining, and art.

Role Summary

The Director of Human Resources oversees recruitment of qualified staff, ensures compliance with employment laws, manages wage, benefit, worker's compensation, and unemployment programs. This leader directs training programs and administers employee relations including coaching and disciplinary actions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Human Resources team.
• Develop and control the HR departmental budget.
• Keep comprehensive knowledge of employee laws and ensure property compliance.
• Engage in hearings related to EEO, Unemployment, Wage & Hour, Worker’s Compensation, OSHA, ADA, Immigration, and more, implementing necessary policies.
• Communicate HR policies and updates to all employees effectively.
• Train staff on HR policies and ensure adherence.
• Coordinate recruitment, screening, and reference checks for non-exempt personnel.
• Recruit, interview, and recommend exempt personnel hires.
• Administer employee benefits programs.
• Manage wage and salary programs including performance evaluations.
• Approve and recommend personnel status changes such as hire, transfer, or promotion.
• Maintain an open door policy fostering employee communication.
• Track and analyze employee turnover data.
• Conduct training sessions and maintain timely reporting.
• Participate in safety committees ensuring compliance with Loss Prevention SOPs.
• Develop safety incentive schemes.
• Become certified trainer for all current HR training modules.
• Support and monitor Highgate Hotel Enrichment and Heroes of Hospitality programs.
• Implement positive employee relations strategies including coaching, counseling, and discipline.
• Create and oversee no-cost benefit programs.
• Monitor standards training by position, orientation programs, and manager development for advancement.
• Encourage managers to utilize coaching, counseling, and discipline effectively.
• Ensure completion of Associate Opinion Surveys by all staff.
• Streamline paperwork, improve internal communications, and maintain personnel and resume files.
• Develop and oversee recruitment resources.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years progressive human resources experience in hospitality or related field; alternatively, a 4-year college degree plus 2 years related experience, or a 2-year college degree plus 3+ years related experience.
• Proven supervisory experience required.
• Relevant college coursework is preferable.
• Strong understanding of employment laws is mandatory.
• Role may require extended working hours.
• Consistently maintain a warm and approachable demeanor.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all employee and guest levels with attention to service.
• Effective listening skills with ability to understand and address employee and guest concerns.
• Capable of multitasking and prioritizing HR functions to meet deadlines.
• Engage in hotel meetings, training, and M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain punctual attendance in alignment with hotel standards and scheduling needs.