The Cooper · 5 days ago
People and Culture Manager
Charleston, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expThe Cooper is opening Charleston’s first waterfront luxury hotel, aiming to create a culture of excellence, connection, and care. The People & Culture Manager will play a vital role in shaping this culture by coordinating onboarding, training programs, and employee engagement initiatives to ensure a supportive environment for all team members.
Hospitality
Responsibilities
Partner closely with the Director of People & Culture to bring our people strategy to life and align HR initiatives with our business goals
Be a trusted advisor to colleagues—offering insight, coaching, and guidance that enhances engagement, retention, and growth
Lead colleague recognition and appreciation programs that celebrate milestones, successes, and the spirit of hospitality
Foster a sense of belonging through events, communication, and initiatives that strengthen our hotel’s community
Oversee colleague engagement surveys, including coordination, analysis, and the intentional results-sharing sessions with leaders and teams to drive action and accountability
Assist our benefits and payroll team with the day-to-day HR operations including compensation, benefits, payroll, and leave administration, workers comp, and unemployment cases ensuring every process feels seamless and colleague focused
Build strong, authentic relationships across departments, serving as a resource and advocate for all team members
Manage employee relations, including addressing colleagues’ concerns, providing guidance, and conducting investigations as needed with fairness, empathy, and integrity
Handle colleague relations with empathy and professionalism, maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture
Drive our recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to attract and develop exceptional hospitality professionals
Assist with the hotel’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, coordinating arrival logistics, housing arrangements, onboarding, and departmental job rotations to ensure a welcoming and enriching cultural experience
Support our Learning and Development Manager by implementing intentional career pathing, mentorship, and leadership development programs that empower growth from within
Guide leaders through performance reviews and development plans that focus on learning, feedback, recognition, and continuous improvement
Assist with pre-opening operations, ensuring that all colleagues are set up for success and the culture is built on strong, intentional foundations
Utilize data from our Workday HRIS and external benchmarks to make smart, informed people decisions
Ensure compliance with employment laws and uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness
Continuously evaluate and improve processes, embracing innovation and technology to streamline HR systems
Partner on change management initiatives, helping teams navigate transitions smoothly while staying engaged and motivated
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field
5+ years of HR experience, ideally in luxury hospitality or a people-centered industry
A deep understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and workforce engagement strategies
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—you build trust, inspire confidence, and lead with empathy
Purpose-driven leader who builds culture through everyday intentional actions and meaningful colleague experiences
Adaptable, organized, and energized by the opportunity to help launch Charleston's newest waterfront luxury destination—with a vision of excellence and long-term legacy
Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal skills; able to foster authentic relationships across all levels of the organization
Deep understanding of HR principles, labor relations, and best practices within a luxury hospitality environment
High emotional intelligence and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information
Proven ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make thoughtful, informed decisions in a fast-paced setting
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with HRIS systems such as Workday and OnTrack preferred
Skilled at collaboration, cross-functional partnership, and translating strategy into action with precision and purpose
Demonstrated ability to research, compile, and present comprehensive reports that inform business and people strategies
Committed to excellence with a balance of heart, strategy, and service—embodying the elevated standards of luxury hospitality
Must be able to lift equipment, supplies, etc. of at least 30 pounds
Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure
The role may require extended periods of time on your feet, especially during peak hotel hours or events
Good hearing in person and on the phone is necessary for effective communication with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders
Preferred
Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with HRIS systems such as Workday and OnTrack preferred
Company
The Cooper
Nestled on the emblematic Cooper River, The Cooper offers a unique haven where refined elegance, laid-back living, and impeccable service harmonize into a magnetic guest experience.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase