Job Description

Position: Human Resources Business Partner
Department: Human Resources
Location: Philadelphia, PA

The Study at University City is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Human Resources Business Partner to lead and execute all HR functions for the hotel and restaurant. This role is a comprehensive, hands-on leadership position responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle while supporting operational priorities and advancing HR initiatives aligned with Study Hotels’ culture and business objectives.

The HR Business Partner is a key member of the property’s senior leadership team, partnering closely with the General Manager and department leaders to support workforce planning, operational performance, and team member engagement. This role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

The HR Business Partner oversees recruiting, payroll, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance management while implementing Home Office strategies to ensure alignment across the portfolio.

Our caring and attentive associates reinforce our belief that guest service and internal partnership are our highest priorities. We seek a proactive and service-oriented HR professional who thrives in a dynamic setting and is passionate about building strong teams and a positive workplace culture.

HR Operations Snapshot

• Full-service hotel and restaurant operation
• Oversight of recruiting, onboarding, payroll, and employee relations
• Cross-functional partnership with hotel leadership and Home Office
• Fast-paced hospitality environment with multiple priorities
• Focus on compliance, consistency, and team member experience

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all Human Resources functions for the hotel and restaurant, including recruiting, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and employee relations.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the General Manager and leadership team to support operational performance, workforce planning, and team member engagement.
• Own the full-cycle payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission, including auditing time records, managing pay codes, and resolving discrepancies.
• Oversee benefits administration, including enrollment of newly eligible team members, with strong adherence to ACA compliance requirements.
• Lead full-cycle recruiting efforts, including sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding, ensuring alignment with staffing needs and company standards.
• Drive the performance management process, including annual reviews, coaching, disciplinary actions, and development planning in partnership with department leaders.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations matters, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance with company policies.
• Implement and execute Home Office HR initiatives, policies, and programs to ensure alignment across the portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records.
• Monitor HR metrics and provide reporting and insights to leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment that supports retention and team member engagement.
• Partner cross-functionally with department leaders to support operational needs and drive consistency in HR practices.

Fundamentals

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in hospitality or a service-based environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple HR functions including recruiting, payroll, and employee relations.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll with full ownership from review through submission.
• Strong knowledge of benefits administration and ACA compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; ADP Workforce Now (WFN) strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and payroll regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

About Us

The Study at University City is a 212-room hotel located at the crossroads of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University in the heart of University City in Philadelphia. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel blends thoughtful hospitality with contemporary residential-inspired guest rooms and welcoming public spaces.

The property is home to CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge, a lively 120-seat restaurant and lounge known for spirited hospitality and seasonal menus. The hotel also features 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space, hosting university functions, corporate meetings, conferences, and private events supported by the culinary team.

Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Human Resources Business Partner, HR Manager, Hospitality HR, Payroll, Recruiting, Employee Relations, HR Generalist, Hotel HR