HR Generalist in Chicago, Illinois at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago

Description: Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. Our team takes pride in combining a passion for hospitality with practical hotel management. By collaborating with renowned brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, we efficiently manage 11 properties across diverse locations. Committed to ongoing growth, we actively seek opportunities and are dedicated to helping both our team and hotels thrive. We remain responsive and proactive in our strategies for sales, marketing, and revenue, ensuring swift adaptability to market changes. Beyond Management, we cultivate strong partnerships with major industry players, showcasing our dedication to success in the ever-evolving world of hospitality

The HR Generalist supports the daily Human Resources function for the Westin Michigan Avenue - Chicago, partnering closely with the Area Director of Human Resources and property leadership to ensure smooth operations, strong employee relations, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and hotel standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day HR operations and assist the Area Director of HR with employee relations, coaching, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate full-cycle recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and separations for both union and non-union roles.
• Maintain accurate employee records, HRIS updates, payroll changes, and benefit administration.
• Interpret and support adherence to the collective bargaining agreement; assist leaders with contractual questions, grievances, and documentation.
• Partner with department leaders to promote engagement, training, reward/recognition programs, and service culture initiatives.
• Facilitate new hire orientation, compliance trainings, and departmental training needs.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding policies, benefits, schedules, pay, and union-related matters.
• Prepare HR reports, maintain calendars, schedule interviews, and assist with hotel-wide communication.
• Recommend improvements to HR processes, policies, and service culture strategies.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Hotel or hospitality HR experience strongly preferred; union hotel experience a plus.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR laws, CBA interpretation, and hotel labor standards.
• Skilled in recruitment, employee relations, documentation, and HR systems.
• Excellent communication, guest-service mindset, discretion, and ability to support a 24/7 operation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Must be able to walk the property, stand for portions of the shift, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Primarily Monday–Friday; flexibility for weekends, early mornings, evenings, and emergencies based on hotel needs.