Job description

Scope of work (JOB PURPOSE)

Directs the development, implementation and administration of human resources programs, policies and procedures covering the following areas: staffing and employment, Model Citizen (MC)/Employee relations, MC communications, engagement, performance management, compensation, benefits and MC services, MC database and personnel records, orientation, training and organization development. Provides leadership and direction to develop and sustain the culture, values and environment to position the park as the employer of choice in the local and regional labor market. Works closely with line managers to define and develop the HR infrastructure and programs to meet the park’s regular and seasonal staffing requirements.

Key Objectives:

• Establish HR division including hiring of team, set up of HR processes and implementation of Merlin Group HR initiatives.
• Develop recruitment strategy to meet both regular and seasonal staffing needs for the park. Ensure effective marketing of LEGOLAND as an employer of choice.
• Design a strategy to ensure an engaged, service focused culture that reflects the LEGO values while doing business the Merlin Way.
• Strategic leadership in cooperation with Divisional Director/General Manager and Leadership team to achieve LEGOLAND short and long term goals including successful grand opening.

Main Responsibilities

Development

• In cooperation with HRD for LEGOLAND Development, creates a plan to define, develop and sustain the culture and values for the park. Ensures Merlin Way and Merlin initiatives are successfully launched and engrained
• Delivers the on boarding orientation program to ensure new staff understand the Merlin Way, LEGOLAND and LEGO values
• Proposes, implements and directs training and development and communication programs that meet the needs of the organization and ensure alignment with cultural, strategic and operating objectives.
• Reviews the existing HR plan from LEGOLAND Development and recommends any modifications. Executes plans and programs through effective leadership, utilization of internal and external resources, and project and people management. Open communication of progress against expectations to both general manager and the HRD LEGOLAND Development
• Manages the development and implementation of localized programs and procedures in the areas of staffing, orientation, employment, employee relations, legal compliance, training and development, organization development, performance management, compensation, benefits, HR database and reporting, and personnel records.
• Serves as an effective member of the executive management team and develops and supports LEGOLAND strategic and operating plans. Participates in planning, policy and direction setting, problem solving and decision making with other members of the management team. Exhibits the ability to work effectively as a team member to contribute to the strategic and cultural direction of the organization. Exhibits the ability to work independently and execute business plan within job scope. Exhibits the organizational and business savvy, and the interpersonal skills, to work effectively in a dynamic organization with international and cultural differences

Operations

• Manages MC relations activities. Oversees performance management actions, promotions, demotions and transfers decisions to ensure fair and consistent treatment of MCs according to internal policies and regulatory requirements. Responds to MC issues according to internal procedures
• Ensures that all HR KPI stats are reported in a timely manner and provides guidance and corrective action as needed
• Manages performance management programs including PDP to ensure feedback is delivered and SMART objectives are set and managed
• Oversees recruitment activities to ensure high quality staff at all levels. Develop a plan to attract high caliber and high volume of applicants. Ensure effective selection techniques aligned with Recruiting the Merlin Way. Execute best in class recruitment and onboarding process
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships and linkages with employment sources and referral agencies for regular and seasonal MCs. Develops partnerships and connections with associations and other HR professional agencies for benchmarking and best practices purposes. Assesses the need for external resources, defines requirements, reviews and selects service providers and agencies, and contracts for outside services to support human resources program objectives

Financial/Legal

• Ensures all policies and procedures are compliant with regulations. Customizes Group Merlin policies as necessary to ensure legal compliance
• Operates within proscribed budgetary and procedural guidelines to execute strategy, plans and programs through effective leadership, utilization of internal and external resources, and project and people management
• Manages staff relations activities. Oversees any disciplinary actions, promotions, demotions and transfers decisions to ensure fair and consistent treatment according to internal policies and regulatory requirements
• Reviews benefit and compensation program and provides feedback on proposed modifications to ensure competitiveness in the marketplace
• Serves as a resource and coaches managers on compensation decisions and performance management issues
• Facilitates individual and group conflicts as needed. Responds to claims of unfair treatment or related charges, conducts investigations, and takes appropriate action in accordance with internal procedures and legal requirements. Seeks the advice legal counsel as necessary
• Ensures human resources policies, procedures and practices meet legal compliance with all relevant laws and requirements

People

• Promotes and demonstrates Merlin and LEGOLAND’s culture and core values through words and actions. Exhibits the ability to work effectively as a team member to contribute to the strategic and cultural direction of the organization
• Oversees the administration of the annual engagement survey “Wizard Wants to Know” ensuring maximum participation and optimal results
• Manages follow through and action planning to make sure results are used to create an optimal work environment of engaged staff
• Ensure engagement and recognition programs are in place such as the Star Program to reward good performance and build an environment of celebrating success and great guest service
• If relevant, evaluates risks, monitors the environment for potential union or works council organizing activity. Takes proactive measures to ensure Merlin/LEGOLAND maintains direct relationship with the MCs/staff without unnecessary third party relationships. Seeks the advice of legal counsel as required
• Determines the organizational structure, budgeting and staffing requirements for the human resources division. Provides oversight, leadership and direction to the HR team members
• All other duties as assigned or needed

Safety

• Responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety & Security within their department, in line with the Group Policy (HS001). In particular, they must ensure that risk assessments have been carried out, that safe working procedures are in place for all work activities and that all employees under their management are aware of the Group Health, Safety and Security Policy and their obligations under it. They must ensure that safe working practices are monitored and that risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly. Where incidents do occur, they must ensure that they are investigated appropriately and that where necessary, corrective action is taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated

Qualifications, Experience, & Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Four year university/Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, management or closely related field (or equivalent education and experience) is required. A human resources management certificate or professional certification/designation is helpful. Master’s degree in business or closely related field is preferred.

Required Experience:

• At least eight years of progressive experience in human resources management, preferably in a theme park, attractions or service industries.
• Track record of success in developing and implementing strategic and tactical human resources plans and programs.
• Minimum of five years of management experience with significant personnel leadership and program management responsibility. Experience as part of a senior leadership team preferred.
• In-depth knowledge in the areas of staffing and employment, MC relations, legal and regulatory compliance, conflict management, compensation, benefits, HR database and personnel records, training, and organization development.
• Working knowledge of budgeting and staffing projections. Ability to set and manage against objectives and schedules, and effectively coordinate and manage internal and external and resources.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Demonstrated skill in interpersonal relationships, making presentations, negotiations, and verbal and written communications.
• Strong team building, group facilitation, process improvement, and project management skills.
• Computer proficiency with ability to use Microsoft Office Products (Word and Excel).
• Ability to build strategic partnerships and linkages with industry, community and business groups and sectors to support the human resources requirements of LEGOLAND.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must be willing to travel locally, regionally and internationally to conduct business on a frequent basis.