Assistant Director of Human Resources Relais & Châteaux

Napa Valley is admired the world over for a lifestyle grounded in agriculture, viticulture, cuisine and the art of hospitality. The mild climate and natural beauty of our region make it a desirable place to be all year round. Each season brings new opportunities to plant, grow and reap a harvest, whether grapes, produce or flowers. No matter the season, the bounty harvested from our vineyards, orchards and gardens is cause of celebration, preferably in the form of a meal with family, friends, and guests that will become friends.

At Meadowood, gracious hospitality defines the style of service and timeless, natural beauty, the sense of place. A rich company culture inspires staff to achieve the highest service standards in hospitality. Join the Meadowood team and experience the pride and teamwork of working alongside a dedicated team of professionals in a truly beautiful setting.

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as the department's second-in-command and primary operational leader. This position supports Human Resources operations across Meadowood Napa Valley, The Napa Valley Reserve, Southbridge Napa Valley, and Pizzeria Tra Vigne while ensuring compliance with employment laws, promoting best practices, and supporting a positive employee experience throughout the organization.

The Assistant Director partners closely with operational leaders to provide guidance on employment practices, workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee development, benefits administration, leave management, and compliance matters. The position acts as a trusted advisor to management and employees and serves on behalf of the Director of Human Resources when appropriate.

Unlike many hospitality organizations, Meadowood operates without a corporate Human Resources infrastructure. As a result, this role requires significant independence, strong business judgment, exceptional knowledge of California employment law, and the ability to effectively support multiple business entities in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.

Essential Functions

Human Resources Leadership

• Serve as the primary operational partner to the Director of Human Resources.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Human Resources programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to managers regarding employment practices, policy interpretation, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support organizational initiatives designed to enhance employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Assume responsibility for Human Resources operations in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.

Manager Support and Employee Relations

• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to managers throughout the organization.
• Provide support regarding performance management, attendance, accountability, employee development, and workplace concerns.
• Assist managers in administering corrective action and documentation processes.
• Support employee relations matters and partner with the Director of Human Resources on more complex situations.
• Promote consistency, fairness, and compliance in the application of company policies and practices.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, respect, and service excellence.

Employment Law and Compliance

• Assist in maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance regarding California Wage and Hour requirements, including meal periods, rest breaks, overtime, timekeeping, reporting time pay, and off-the-clock work prevention.
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll, scheduling, and timekeeping practices.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support leave administration, including CFRA, FMLA, ADA accommodations, Pregnancy Disability Leave, workers' compensation, and related programs.
• Partner with operational leaders to proactively identify and address compliance concerns before they become legal or operational risks.

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

• Lead recruiting efforts for exempt and non-exempt positions across all business entities.
• Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and develop recruiting strategies.
• Conduct interviews and assist managers throughout the hiring process.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation activities with the HR Coordinator.
• Support internal development, succession planning, and career growth initiatives.
• Monitor workforce trends and staffing metrics to support operational planning.

Human Resources Operations

• Oversee day-to-day Human Resources operations and ensure timely completion of HR processes.
• Maintain employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
• Administer employee benefits programs and support annual open enrollment activities.
• Assist employees with benefits, leave, and Human Resources-related inquiries.
• Monitor workers' compensation claims and return-to-work programs, with our Safety team from ESS.
• Prepare reports, workforce metrics, and organizational analyses.
• Support departmental budgeting and administrative functions as assigned.

Training, Development and Employee Engagement

• Support leadership development and management training initiatives.
• Coordinate employee recognition and engagement programs.
• Assist in the delivery of compliance, leadership, and workplace training.
• Promote positive employee relations and strengthen organizational culture.
• Support efforts to develop employees and leaders throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration/Communications, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Strong working knowledge of California employment law.
• Demonstrated expertise in California Wage and Hour compliance.
• Experience advising managers regarding performance management and employment practices.
• Experience managing Worker's Comp, administering employee benefits and leave programs.
• Experience with HRIS systems, payroll administration, and Human Resources reporting.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Maintain a polished professional appearance and adhere to all company standards of appearance policy.
• Provide direct supervision to the Human Resources department.

Preferred

• Human Resources experience within luxury hospitality, hotels, resorts, wineries, or related environments.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience supporting multiple business entities or locations.

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of California Wage and Hour laws.
• Sound business judgment.
• Leadership presence and influence.
• Relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with operational execution.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Attention to detail and process discipline.
• Commitment to employee experience and organizational culture.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

Due to the nature of the hospitality industry, you may be required to work weekends and holidays. Your immediate supervisor will determine these dates in advance.

Compensation:

The rate for this position is $115,000 - $130,000 annual salary

• This is the rate Meadowood Napa Valley reasonably expects to pay. Fi

« Rejoindre Relais & Châteaux, c'est profiter d'une opportunité unique d'élargir vos horizons tout en nourrissant votre talent.
Que vous souhaitiez construire une véritable carrière à nos côtés ou recherchiez un poste saisonnier, vous découvrirez des maisons de caractère, toutes unies par la défense de nos valeurs d'hospitalité, d'ancrage local et de partage.
Partez à la rencontre de nos équipes passionnées par le beau et le bon, qui font vibrer le cœur de chaque Relais & Châteaux. Embarquez à nos côtés pour un délicieux voyage et devenez vous aussi, acteur d'un monde plus humain ! . »

Philippe Gombert
Président, Relais & Châteaux