Chief Human Resources Officer (Chro) - Hospitality Industry

Position Overview We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead the human capital strategy for a premier hospitality organization. The CHRO will be a key executive team member, driving HR initiatives that align with business objectives, enhance the employee experience, and cultivate a high-performance service culture.

This role is responsible for overseeing all facets of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, labor relations, compliance, compensation, and learning & development across multiple hospitality locations. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of leading HR functions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, casinos, or other hospitality environments and thrives in fast-paced, customer-service-driven settings. The CHRO must have strong strategic acumen, the ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and the expertise to navigate complex employment laws in a multi-location and/or global environment.

Key Responsibilities Strategic HR Leadership & Culture Development Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy that supports organizational growth, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement. Drive a high-performance service culture by implementing HR initiatives that align with the organization's vision, mission, and guest experience expectations. Partner with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring a customer-centric and employee-focused approach.

Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership , providing data-driven recommendations on workforce planning, leadership development, and retention strategies. Oversee change management initiatives to support company expansions, acquisitions, or restructuring. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Lead a scalable talent acquisition strategy to attract, hire, and retain top hospitality talent, including front-line service staff, corporate teams, and executive leadership.

Implement recruitment marketing strategies that enhance employer branding and position the company as a premier employer in the hospitality industry. Develop strategic workforce planning models to ensure adequate staffing levels across peak seasons, special events, and new property openings. Foster strong relationships with hospitality schools, industry associations, and training programs to create robust talent pipelines . Ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives are embedded in hiring practices to build a diverse workforce.

Employee Engagement & Experience Champion employee experience initiatives to drive engagement, satisfaction, and retention within a fast-paced hospitality environment. Develop and oversee employee recognition programs , service awards, and incentive programs that celebrate performance excellence. Conduct employee pulse surveys , stay interviews, and feedback mechanisms to enhance workplace satisfaction and drive HR action plans.

Implement wellness and mental health programs tailored for hospitality professionals facing high-stress, service-oriented roles. Training, Development & Succession Planning Design and implement learning & development programs tailored for hospitality professionals, including leadership training, service excellence, and upskilling initiatives. Develop succession planning strategies to ensure a pipeline of future leaders and managers across hospitality properties.

Oversee compliance training for hospitality-specific regulations, including food & beverage safety, customer service standards, and safety protocols. Labor Relations & Compliance Oversee labor relations strategies, including union negotiations, contract administration, and grievance resolution (where applicable). Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international employment laws , including wage and hour laws, tip pooling regulations, and guest service labor laws. Serve as the company's expert on HR compliance , ensuring adherence to EEOC, OSHA, FMLA, ADA, and other employment regulations.

Partner with legal counsel on employment-related litigation, investigations, and risk management . Compensation, Benefits & HR Technology Design competitive compensation structures , including base pay, incentives, tip pooling policies, and executive compensation. Oversee benefits administration , including health & wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and hospitality-specific perks. Implement HR technology solutions , including HRIS, payroll systems, and performance management tools, to improve efficiency.

Monitor industry salary benchmarks and total rewards trends to maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. Qualifications & Requirements Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). 15 years of HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive HR role within the hospitality industry (hotels, resorts, restaurants, casinos, or travel/tourism). Strong experience managing multi-site, high-volume operations with seasonal workforce fluctuations. Proven experience in union and non-union environments , with expertise in labor relations.

Background in global hospitality operations is a plus for international brands. Key Competencies & Skills Hospitality Industry Expertise

• Deep understanding of service culture, guest experience, and workforce dynamics. People-Centric Leadership

• Strong ability to build a customer-first employee culture. Strategic Vision & Execution

• Track record of implementing HR strategies that drive business outcomes. Diversity & Inclusion

• Experience in fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environments. HR Compliance & Employment Law

• Knowledge of U.S. and global employment regulations affecting the hospitality industry. Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Strong analytical skills to interpret HR metrics and optimize workforce strategies. Change Management & Organizational Development

• Ability to lead large-scale change initiatives. Technology Savvy

• Experience leveraging HR technology, workforce analytics, and automation to enhance HR functions. Compensation & Benefits Competitive executive salary (commensurate with experience). Performance-based incentives and bonuses . Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits . Hotel, resort, and travel discounts . Generous paid time off (PTO) and wellness programs . Executive leadership development opportunities . Opportunities for international and domestic travel . Why Join Our Team? Industry Leader

• Work with a top hospitality brand committed to service excellence. Innovative & Inclusive Culture

• Be part of an organization that values diversity, creativity, and employee well-being. Career Growth

• Shape the future of HR within a dynamic, fast-paced industry. High Impact Role

• Drive strategic initiatives that influence thousands of employees and enhance guest experiences. Apply Today

• Be part of a world-class hospitality team dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences through people-first HR leadership Final Notes: This detailed and hospitality-focused CHRO job description ensures that it captures the industry's specific HR challenges while providing a comprehensive and compelling overview for potential candidates. Would you like me to tailor it further to a specific type of hospitality organization (e.g., luxury hotels, resorts, restaurant groups, or casinos)?