Assistant Director, People & Culture at Sofitel in Sonoma, CA

Company Description

"Why work for Accor?

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS"

• Employee discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and spa experiences at Accor and Fairmont properties worldwide
• Flexible and competitive healthcare benefit plans designed to meet the unique needs of you and your family, starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 4% of employee contributions
• Learning programs to promote growth and development unlocking your full potential
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

Job Description

Assistant Director, People & Culture - Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Hotel) Are you a people‑focused leader with a passion for building meaningful connections, elevating teams, and shaping workplace cultures? Join the People & Culture team at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where warm hospitality, rich local heritage, and a deep commitment to colleague well‑being create an exceptional place to work and grow. As Assistant Director, People & Culture, you will help guide a culture defined by authenticity and excellence, creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, inspired, and confident in their ability to make special happen.

What you will be doing: Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Partner with the Director, People & Culture to shape organizational strategies across employee relations, compensation and benefits, recognition, health & safety, and colleague wellness, ensuring alignment with hotel vision and operational goals
• Lead and influence People & Culture initiatives that enhance engagement, elevate colleague experience, and strengthen hotel‑wide performance
• Guide leaders in the interpretation and consistent application of HR policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements, reinforcing fair, transparent, and legally compliant practices
• Support leaders across the hotel with coaching, guidance, and solutions that cultivate a collaborative, high‑performance work environment
• Champion the hotel’s recruitment strategy, ensuring every department receives proactive support throughout the full talent lifecycle
• Oversee benefits administration and workplace safety programs, driving colleague understanding, regulatory compliance, and a safe, accident‑free environment
• Assist in overseeing the daily operations of the People & Culture office while supporting the performance and development of the Human Resources team
• Manage and track Leaves of Absence with precision to ensure full alignment with legislation and company policies
• Coordinate and facilitate training programs that reinforce legal compliance, luxury service excellence, and colleague engagement
• Plan and execute People & Culture initiatives, celebrations, and recognition programs that strengthen connection and elevate the colleague experience
• Promote an environment grounded in open communication, trust, respect with genuine moments of fun that bring our culture to life
• Support overall hotel leadership responsibilities as needed
• Uphold all department policies, procedures, and service standards
• Follow all health and safety protocols
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Previous human resources leadership experience in a hotel or luxury hospitality environment required
• Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English, with the ability to translate verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, with a natural ability to connect, support, and influence at all levels
• Proven ability to stay composed, flexible, and solutions‑focused in a dynamic, luxury hospitality environment
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) preferred
• Solid understanding of Federal, State, and local employment laws and regulations
• Creative, thoughtful problem‑solving skills with a commitment to high service standards
• Ability to lead by example, elevate team culture, and inspire high performance
• University/College degree in a related field preferred

Salary Range $100,000- $123,0000

Additional Information

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, an elegant Spanish mission-style Inn, boasts exceptional accommodation in the heart of Wine Country. As one big team, community of service professionals, we come together and work with a common purpose to welcome, connect and serve others.

Visa Requirements: Applicants must be able to provide proof that they are legally able to work in the United States.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.