Leah Ott Lopez, PHR, SHRM-CP

Experience

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  Vail Resorts - Beaver Creek

  Oct 2001 - Apr 2009

  • Recruited, trained and supervised Human Resource front office and recruiting staff in regards to screening applicants, completing hire sets, reviewing documents, employment authorizations, general HR/benefits inquiries, employee issues, employee housing, international employment programs, etc.• Planned and executed domestic and international recruiting efforts, including recruiting trips, job fairs, website management, advertising, job postings, interviews, and direct hiring leading to overall resort staff of 3000+ for the winter season. Managed recruiting budget of $30,000+.• Partnered with hiring managers to review, analyze, and clarify job descriptions/requirements and competencies required for each position within the resort resulting in successful applicant placement and operational staffing levels.• Launched and acted as the Beaver Creek Resort Subject Matter Expert for the Applicant Tracking System (Taleo) including project lead responsibilities, training, compliance, and internal user communication.• Managed employee issues including questions regarding benefits, payroll, insurance, employee complaints and performance issues.• Translated and acted as HR contact for the Spanish-speaking community regarding all of the above. Show less

  • HR/Recruiting Supervisor

    May 2006 - Apr 2009

  • Guest Service Supervisor

    Oct 2001 - May 2006
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  The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

  Sept 2010 - Aug 2011

  Human Resource Generalist/Recruiter

  Participate as an HR partner at a premier mountain lodging property, responsible for recruiting, onboarding, employee relations and record keeping.Function as Spanish liason for Spanish-speaking applicants and employees.

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  East West Resorts & Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

  Aug 2011 - Mar 2016

  HR Manager - Talent Acquisition

  Responsible for development of total Recruitment strategy for East West Resorts, Vail Valley division, including performing recruiting needs assessment, development and implementation of Talent Management platform, sourcing top candidates, integrating social media into recruitment strategy, modifying and developing job descriptions, and managing current and future international employee programs, including H2B & J1 visa programs.In addition, responsible for creating an open door culture, listening and responding to employee grievances, investigating employee issues, and providing unbiased coaching as needed to employees and management team. Show less

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  East West Family of Companies - East West Hospitality, East West Partners, Slifer Smith & Frampton

  Mar 2016 - Aug 2024

  Provide HR support for multiple divisions within East West Family of Companies, including up to 800 employees in various functions in the hospitality and real estate industries. Responsible to plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff of the HR department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the Vail / Beaver Creek division’s mission and talent strategy. Oversee employee relations, policies and procedures, recruiting, wage/benefit administration, compliance, and training, in order to provide each department with the personnel, guidance, and support necessary to achieve their guest service and business objectives. Show less As part of the Senior HR Leadership team, provides guidance and strategy to the East West Family of Companies, as it relates to Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Performance Management, Culture, Employee Engagement, Learning & Development, and Organizational Development. Responsible for developing and implementing overall strategy for talent attraction and retention through focusing on employment branding, succession planning, engagement, workforce planning, and compensation plans. Utilizes HR metrics, including exit interview data, turnover statistics (rates, cost), cost per hire, time to hire, labor market statistics, etc. to aid in strategic planning in above areas. Works to consistently improve workforce talent and decrease turnover. Partners with managers, directors and executives to drive continuous improvement in talent and organizational development. Leads competitive market research to establish pay practices and pay bands in order to keep East West Family of Companies - EWDH, EWP and SSF - on leading edge of compensation strategies. Provides HR support by coaching and counseling Executive Committee, managers, and employees. Receives, investigates and brings to resolution complaints and allegations including discrimination, harassment, violence in the workplace, and hostile work environment. Show less

  • Director of Human Resources

    Mar 2019 - Aug 2024

  • Senior Human Resources Manager, Talent Management

    Mar 2016 - Mar 2019
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  East West Hospitality

  Jan 2024 - now

  Vice President of Human Resources