People & Culture Manager

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• HR Operations & Compliance:

• Manage day-to-day HR operations, including employee relations, payroll, benefits administration, and record-keeping.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws, regulations, and company policies.

• Assist in maintaining employee records, ensuring they are accurate, confidential, and up-to-date.

• Provide support to leadership and employees on HR-related policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:

• Lead the recruitment process, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and extending job offers.

• Collaborate with department managers to understand staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.

• Manage the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring a smooth transition into the company and a positive first impression.

• Coordinate the orientation and training process for new employees to familiarize them with company policies, culture, and expectations.

• Employee Engagement & Culture:

• Assist in developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives to promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

• Work with leadership to identify areas of opportunity to enhance employee satisfaction, recognition, and morale.

• Support and promote the company’s core values, ensuring they are integrated into daily operations and employee behavior.

• Coordinate employee recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and other culture-building activities.

• Performance Management & Development:

• Assist in the implementation of performance management programs, including performance reviews, feedback processes, and goal setting.

• Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on performance improvement plans, coaching, and feedback.

• Collaborate with department leaders to identify training and development needs, and assist in organizing employee development programs.

• Promote continuous learning and growth within the organization by supporting leadership and professional development opportunities.

• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution:

• Act as a point of contact for employee concerns and questions regarding HR policies, benefits, and general workplace matters.

• Assist in resolving employee conflicts and performance issues through mediation, coaching, and counseling.

• Ensure a fair and respectful process for addressing employee grievances, escalating to senior HR leaders when necessary.

• Foster positive working relationships and help employees feel heard and valued.

• Compensation & Benefits Support:

• Assist with the administration of compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, equitable, and aligned with industry standards.

• Help employees navigate benefits options, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

• Work with leadership to manage salary reviews, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and equitable across the organization.

• HR Metrics & Reporting:

• Monitor HR metrics, including employee turnover, retention, engagement, and training completion, and provide reports to management.

• Assist in analyzing HR data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Support the Director or Senior HR leadership with key HR projects by providing administrative and reporting assistance.

• Employee Wellness & Support Programs:

• Promote employee wellness by organizing wellness programs, initiatives, and support services.

• Help create and maintain employee assistance programs, providing support for personal or work-related challenges.

• Foster a healthy work-life balance and support employees in maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• 3-5 years of experience in human resources or people management, with exposure to recruitment, employee relations, and HR operations.

• Previous experience in a leadership or managerial HR role preferred.

• Knowledge of labor laws, HR best practices, and performance management processes.

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or other relevant HR certifications preferred.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and trust with employees and leadership.

• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, with a focus on promoting a positive work environment.

• In-depth understanding of HR principles, policies, and procedures, with a keen eye for detail.

• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices and initiatives.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR management software.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment and sit for extended periods.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., for event-related tasks or office supplies).

• Occasional travel may be required for recruitment events, training, or business needs.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.