Area Director of Human Resources in Chicago, Illinois at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Area Director of Human Resources provides strategic human resources leadership for two premier hotels in downtown Chicago totaling more than 1,100 guestrooms and a diverse workforce. This position is responsible for developing and executing people strategies that foster an engaged, high-performing culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws, labor agreements, and company policies.

Reporting directly to the General Manager of the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, the Area Director of Human Resources partners with hotel leadership to recruit, develop, engage, and retain exceptional talent while supporting operational excellence across both properties.

• Lead all Human Resources functions for both hotels.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to hotel leadership.
• Develop and execute recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning strategies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and recognition.
• Lead employee relations, investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements while maintaining positive union relationships.
• Oversee wage and salary administration, benefits, leave administration, and HR compliance.
• Develop leadership training and professional development initiatives.
• Monitor employee engagement and implement strategies to improve morale and retention.
• Partner with department leaders on workforce planning and staffing needs.
• Ensure brand-required training and compliance programs are completed.
• Maintain HR metrics and provide regular reporting to ownership and executive leadership.
• Lead performance management, coaching, corrective action, and organizational development initiatives.
• Support change management and organizational effectiveness across both hotels.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience.
• Multi-property hotel HR experience preferred.
• Previous Director of Human Resources experience required.
• Experience working within union environments strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, investigations, and compliance.
• Proven experience coaching leaders and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Marriott and Hilton brand experience.
• Chicago hospitality market experience.
• Union contract administration.
• Luxury and full-service hotel operations.

• Strategic Leadership
• Employee Engagement
• Organizational Development
• Labor Relations
• Talent Acquisition
• Leadership Coaching
• Communication
• Integrity and Accountability

This executive leadership role is responsible for creating a culture where employees thrive, leaders succeed, and both hotels remain employers of choice while delivering outstanding guest experiences through exceptional people leadership.