Assistant Director of Human Resources

Reports to:  Director of Human Resources

Exempt Salaried

World Equestrian Center, Ocala, FL

Join a premier luxury hospitality destination and make an impact!

About Us

The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is a world-class destination where luxury hospitality meets equestrian excellence. Our commitment to integrity, passion, community, forward-thinking, and motivation drives everything we do. From fine dining and upscale accommodations to exceptional event experiences, we create an environment where both our guests and team members thrive.

Are you an HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-touch luxury hospitality environment? Do you excel at building strong relationships, fostering an exceptional workplace culture, and driving operational excellence? If so, we want you on our team!

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Human Resources (ADHR) is a key leadership role, partnering closely with the Director of Human Resources (DHR) to elevate team member experiences, optimize HR operations, and drive strategic initiatives. This role focuses on team member engagement, associate relations, leadership talent acquisition, training & development, and HR compliance—all while ensuring WEC’s culture of excellence remains at the forefront.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Culture

• Provide strategic HR leadership while mentoring and developing managers and HR team members.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture that aligns with WEC’s core values.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders, offering guidance on employee relations, leadership development, and workforce planning.
• Lead HR initiatives that support talent retention, team engagement, and internal growth opportunities.

HR Operations & Excellence

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, and learning & development programs.
• Establish an elevated onboarding experience that embodies luxury hospitality standards from Day 1.
• Implement HR service delivery processes that ensure team members receive the same level of excellence as WEC guests.
• Drive HR innovation, including leveraging AI and HR technology to enhance team member development.

Strategic HR Leadership

• Collaborate with the DHR to develop and implement long-term HR strategies that align with WEC’s vision.
• Spearhead succession planning, leadership development, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, ensuring every team member feels valued.
• Support organizational change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and strong team engagement.

Compliance & HR Best Practices

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Stay ahead of HR trends and industry best practices to keep WEC competitive.
• Develop and enforce HR policies that promote fairness, consistency, and high performance.

Partnership & Development

• Partner with department leaders to identify training needs and implement impactful learning programs.
• Act as a culture ambassador, ensuring core values are integrated into training, hiring, and daily operations.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Hospitality, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years in an HR leadership role (HR Manager or higher).
• 2+ years in luxury hospitality HR (hotel, resort, private club, or similar).
• Proven experience in leadership talent acquisition, team development, and HR operations.
• Strong understanding of luxury service standards and hospitality best practices.
• HR certifications (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) are a plus!

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance.
• Experience managing HRIS systems and talent acquisition platforms.
• Ability to balance operational HR needs with strategic initiatives.
• A problem solver with a proactive and forward-thinking mindset.
• Ability to effectively 
• Proven ability to lead change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and strong team engagement in dynamic environments.
• Experience in pre-opening HR operations for hotels, event centers, or luxury hospitality venues, including talent acquisition, culture development, and HR infrastructure setup.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a world-class hospitality team at a one-of-a-kind luxury resort and premier spectator sports destination.
• Drive meaningful change by shaping a workplace where talent thrives.
• Work in an environment that values growth, innovation, and excellence.
• Enjoy competitive benefits, career development, and leadership opportunities.

At World Equestrian Center, we don’t just build teams—we build careers. Are you ready to elevate yours?

Apply today and become part of something extraordinary!

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, committed to excellence, team member development, and work-life balance. We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Background checks are required before employment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

 The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities.