Director of Talent & Culture

Opened in February 2023 in charming Los Olivos, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection offers 67 luxury guest rooms, cottages, and suites that marry the simplicity of modern farmhouse design with the eclectic spirit of nearby ranch life. Set on historic grounds shaded by old-growth palm trees and surrounded by renowned vineyards, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern originally served as a popular stagecoach stop in the late 1800s. Considered the social center of the Santa Ynez Valley through the 1930s, the property has remained a lively local landmark, revered and enjoyed for generations. Today, guests can savor farm-driven menus that celebrate the Central Coast’s land and sea, unwind at the new Lavender Barn, a luxury spa rooted in nature and renewal, and enjoy destination-inspired experiences that engage the senses.

For more information: auberge.com/matteis-tavern

Connect with The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern on Instagram and Facebook at @matteistavernauberge. 

The heartbeat of our business, this role champions culture, plays a pivotal role in assembling best in class teams, managing business risks and leading talent development to support our growth. Working at Auberge requires a pursuit of excellence in luxury service delivery and this role impacts our external guest and leads the team member experience with that same ambition.  Act as a collaborative and strategic partner to the General Manager and the Executive Committee Members for strategizing the hotel’s goals, developing and implementing process improvement, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, coaching performance and delivering heartfelt service.

Lead Talent Management 

Attract top talent to join our organization by being the champion of our brand’s culture and values. Ensure effective staffing strategies with leaders.  Keep a finger on the pulse of the local talent pool.  Identify educational institutions and attend career fairs to build a pipeline of eager hospitality professionals.  Create a seamless and inclusive onboarding process for all new Team Members.  Develop a competitive compensation structure that attracts and retains top talent.   Support succession work aligned with the overall Talent Management strategy.

Culture Creator

Demonstrate a passion for the team by spending time in each department, and attending daily rallies and walking spaces.  Exhibit a collaborative approach with peers and managers by exchanging ideas and valuing each Team Member’s individual opinion.  Create a feedback loop where Team Members' concerns are heard and actioned.  

Use your creativity and ingenuity to champion an events calendar, recognition programs, and incentive programs that keep the Team Members engaged and connected to our brand.  Keep communication thriving by keeping Team Members “in the know” using all methods, ensuring all messaging aligns with the brand. 

Maintain a deep understanding of organizational culture using metrics connected to engagement and retention; actively work to identify opportunities for improvement

Learning and Development  

Prioritize Auberge L&D initiatives by championing, organizing, and leading Team Member training. Work with leaders and team members to develop their service skills and product delivery. 

Financial Acumen and Subject Matter Expertise

Utilize sound financial decision-making to ensure budgets are in place and adhered to that provide the Team with necessary resources for events and programming

Demonstrate subject matter expertise by ensuring compliance with mandatory laws; be proactive to upcoming changes for the city, state, and federal labor statutes that impact our business and team.

Skillfully address employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution in alignment with Auberge ENRICH values, always fostering a respectful and heartfelt environment.  

The starting rate for this position is $150,000- $160,000 per year. This is the pay rate for this position that Mattei's Tavern reasonably expects to pay. Decisions regarding individual salaries will be based on a number of factors, such as experience and education.

• Demonstrated history of building and supporting a winning team, preferably in a luxury hotel environment
• Demonstrated HR leadership experience and capability
• 5 years of progressive HR experience required
• Strong HRIS/ATS/Payroll system experience preferred
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

About Auberge Collection
Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 30 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

For more information: auberge.com

Connect with Auberge Collection on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn @Auberge and #AlwaysAuberge

About Friedkin
Friedkin is a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan Friedkin, and united by a mission to build breakthrough brands that redefine the status quo.

The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton Football Club, GSFSGroup, Imperative Entertainment, Legendary Expeditions, NEON, Northside Lexus, Pursuit Sports, The Friedkin Group International, USAL and Westside Lexus.

For more information, please visit www.friedkin.com

Railway Jonata LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Railway Jonata LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Railway Jonata LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Railway Jonata LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Railway Jonata LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Railway Jonata LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.