Senior Manager, HR Operations - Dollywood Parks & Resorts - Exempt

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Senior Manager for HR Operations who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.

We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal Senior Manager for HR Operations will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

The Senior Manager, HR Ops is responsible for ensuring that all HR policies, practices, and procedures comply with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations. This role involves developing compliance programs, conducting audits, monitoring legal changes, providing training, managing risks, and investigating violations. The Senior Manager, HR OPS also focuses on administering employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and tailoring plans to meet individual host needs. This role requires strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, along with a deep understanding of benefits laws and regulations.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversee the following Human Resource functions for all Dollywood properties (including shared services for DW resorts)
• Select, train and supervise the following direct reports: 
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Compensation & Benefits Manager

• Develop, implement, and monitor strategy for all HR compliance programs and policies
• Lead and programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Direct team regular audits and assessments to identify and mitigate compliance risks
• Provide guidance and training to HR staff and leadership on Host and compliance-related matters
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of compliance issues and complaints
• Collaborate with business partners and hosts to determine the best people strategies in line with our culture and values
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and regulatory changes
• Collaborate with legal counsel and external partners
• Develop and implement strategy for HR’s role in payroll processing for all hosts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Develop and implement payroll and benefits policies and procedures at the property level, including regular audits of payroll and benefits records to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of payroll and benefits processes
• Direct strategies to manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, including investigations and disciplinary actions
• Monitor and analyze employee relations trends and metrics to identify areas for improvement
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Work collaboratively with the entire HR Team to achieve common goals and assist with team functions and responsibilities
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws
• Ensure compliance with corporate and property policies and procedures
• Prepare and adhere to annual budgets
• Routinely serve as HR Person-in-charge of HR operations and Park 1 for Dollywood theme park
• Review, analyze, and interpret HR data to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives, and provide actionable insights to improve employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational performance
• Act as in-house support to other operating teams to provide coaching, instruction, and advice in resolving host issues, and corrective actions, while ensuring consistency and fairness with all hosts
• Be an advocate for our hosts to ensure fair and consistent treatment by management in the workplace
• Utilize HRIS systems and data to improve efficiency and effectiveness of HR function
• Ensure all personnel records are complete, accurate and compliant with HFE record and retention procedures
• Contribute to maintenance and review of company policy manuals
• Responsible for hourly host compensation review and recommendations
• Design, review and update Human Resources forms
• Coordinate the design and ordering of host ID’s, nametags, and other functional supplies as needed
• Routinely serves as HR Person-in-charge of HR operations
• Routinely serves as Dollywood Park 1

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

External Candidates

• Must be 18 years of age
• Minimum of five years’ experience in HR leadership with a proven track record with a company with at least 1000 employees
• Two years’ experience in directly supervising 3 – 5 employees
• Clear understanding of all applicable labor laws
• College degree required. Degree in human resources, organizational development or business preferred
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software required
• Theme Park experience preferred
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record

Internal Candidates

• Minimum of three years’ experience directly supervising 5 – 10 employees
• Strong reading, writing and speaking skills
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software required
• Demonstrated knowledge of corporate and company policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to fairly resolve employee concerns and fairly administer appropriate discipline
• College degree required. Degree in human resources, organizational development or business preferred
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong skillset with Microsoft Office, Workday and UKG preferred
• Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
• Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
• Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions

• Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs utilizing company’s safety guidelines for safe lifting
• Mobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours
• Repetitive Movements: This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
• Environmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved communication methods

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.