Assistant Director of People & Culture

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.         

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

Why us? Why here? Why now? Working at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara offers more than just a career—it’s a chance to thrive in one of the world’s most idyllic settings. From the moment you arrive, the resort feels like a peaceful escape, surrounded by lush gardens and ocean breezes that make every day feel special. You’ll be part of a team that crafts unique spaces, where Spanish coastal elegance meets modern design, creating an environment that’s both vibrant and welcoming. Whether you live in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Ojai, or Santa Ynez, you’ll enjoy the Mediterranean climate, easy access to world-class beaches, and proximity to renowned wine country for days-off escapes. The sense of community runs deep, and working here means becoming part of something timeless, where the resort’s storied past blends seamlessly with today's luxury. Whether you're sharing the resort’s beauty with guests or simply taking in the sunset on your way home, every moment here is unforgettable.

Looking for a talented Assistant Director of People & Culture to join our team and  significantly contribute to reopen our newly remodeled resort in the American Riviera, Santa Barbara!

What you will do:

The Assistant Director of People & Culture supports the Director of People & Culture and is a key member of the hotel’s leadership team. This role partners closely with the People & Culture Director, Planning Committee members, and operational leaders to execute the hotel’s People & Culture strategy and ensure the resort is perceived as an Employer of Choice in the destination.

The Assistant Director acts as a cultural ambassador of the Golden Rule, modeling and reinforcing Four Seasons values in every interaction. This role provides hands‑on leadership in talent management, employee experience, learning & development, and employee relations, while supporting legal compliance, organizational effectiveness, and the consistent execution of People & Culture programs.

Key Elements of the Job:

• Supports the People & Culture Vision: Assists the Director in communicating and executing a compelling People & Culture vision that enhances employee experience, strengthens organizational performance, and aligns with long‑range hotel strategy.

• Executes Strategic People Initiatives: Implements People & Culture initiatives related to talent development, succession planning, culture-building, workforce planning, and operational effectiveness.

• Supports and Develops the P&C Team: Provides day‑to‑day leadership and coaching to the P&C team, culture ambassadors, and department trainers. Helps ensure alignment with performance standards, service excellence, and employee experience expectations.

• Strengthens Leadership Capability: Partners in delivering leadership onboarding, department head coaching, and leadership development programs to ensure effective transitions and strong capability at all management levels.

• Partners with Planning Committee Members: Serves as a People & Culture advisor on talent strategy, performance management, employee engagement, organizational development, and culture activation.

• Champions Culture & Service Excellence: Drives initiatives that reinforce the Golden Rule, Four Seasons Core Values, and Culture Standards through communication, training, recognition, and engagement programs.

• Operational Business Partner: Collaborates with department leaders to ensure consistent delivery of learning programs, employee relations practices, and people-focused operational improvements.

• Strengthens Employee & Guest Experience: Analyzes employee insights, guest satisfaction data, workplace trends, and performance results to identify gaps and support targeted development or engagement solutions.

• Facilitates Learning & Development: Supports the design, coordination, and delivery of training programs to build capability, reinforce culture, and promote continuous learning.

• Provides Employee Relations Guidance: Advises managers on employee relations, conflict resolution, organizational change, team effectiveness, and policy interpretation to ensure fair and consistent practices.

• Supports People Operations, Compliance & Total Rewards: Assists with evaluating the effectiveness of:

·         People & Culture programs

·         Talent Acquisition processes

·         L&D initiatives

·         Compensation and benefits programs

·         Ensures practices align with legal requirements and competitive market standards.

What you bring:

Passion for people, culture, and operational partnership. You are a strategic thinker, a trusted business partner, a coach, and a strong advocate of the Golden Rule

·         Education:  

o    College Education required or equivalent experience. 

·         Experience:          

o    Minimum 2-4 years management experience in the hospitality industry.

o    Experience in hotel operations, preferably Four Seasons or other luxury service environments.

o    Experience managing in diverse cultures. 

o    Working knowledge of California Labor Law is advantageous

·         Skills & Abilities: 

o    Strong leadership skills and ability to coach, mentor, develop, and support others. 

o    Strong written and oral presentation skills.

o    Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR technology systems

o    Friendly/Outgoing and warm personality. 

o    Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with department heads. 

o    Must be fluent in English. Spanish strongly preferred too.

What we offer: 

·         Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000

·         Dynamic Employee Culture where you are encouraged to be your true self! 

·         Inclusive and diverse employee engagement events all year-round 

·         Competitive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, and 401k Retirement Plan) as well as Vacation & Holiday Pay 

·         Sick Pay, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance 

·         Exclusive discount and travel programs with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world

·         Complimentary Employee Meals  

·         Comprehensive learning and development programs to help you elevate your craft. 

·         And so much more! 

 

Join the iconic Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a classic estate infused with modern luxury! Learn more about the American Riviera

 

Learn more about what it is like to work at Four Seasons-visit us:

https://www.fourseasons.com/careers/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/four-seasons-hotels-and-resorts

 

 

Work Authorization:

US work authorization is required.

Four Seasons is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To access the 'EEOC is The Law' Information poster please visit this website - https://eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf