Head of People

milk + honey is an award-winning collection of spas, salons, medSPAs, and lifestyle shops with locations across Texas, California, and Illinois. Since opening our first location in Austin in 2006, our mission has remained the same: to help people relax, feel good, and provide a place where they can escape, nourish their wellbeing, and satisfy their self care. 

As we've grown, one thing has remained constant—our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe exceptional guest experiences begin with exceptional employee experiences. That's why we invest in creating a culture where our teams are supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. Guided by our values of Integrity, Kindness, Excellence, Inclusiveness, and Connection, we're building a People function that helps our employees thrive while supporting the continued growth of our business.

• Lead and develop the Human Resources team while providing executive leadership and support to the Talent Acquisition function.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on Human Resources, employee relations, organizational effectiveness, and talent matters.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and implement People strategies that support company growth.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and improve People processes, systems, and technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and monitor Human Resources goals, KPIs, budgets, and operational metrics while partnering with Talent Acquisition leadership on shared workforce objectives.
• Lead cross-functional People initiatives and organizational change efforts.
• Oversee employment-related insurance programs, including EPLI, workers' compensation, and other business insurance as applicable.
• Maintain an owner's mindset by balancing employee experience with sound business decisions.

• Oversee all Human Resources operations across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, including California employment regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate company policies, procedures, and employee handbook updates.
• Lead employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Coach leaders through employee relations matters, performance conversations, and corrective action.
• Oversee onboarding, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and offboarding processes.
• Develop manager training and leadership development programs.
• Foster employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders on HR policies, benefits, payroll, and workplace concerns.

• Maintain organizational compliance with employment laws and regulatory requirements across all operating states.
• Partner with legal counsel on employment matters, policy interpretation, investigations, and risk mitigation.
• Lead workplace investigations while ensuring fair, consistent application of company policies.
• Oversee accommodations, leave administration, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and related compliance.
• Manage employment audits and support responses to legal or regulatory inquiries.

• Oversee payroll administration and ensure accurate, compliant payroll practices.
• Manage employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits, and the 401(k) plan.
• Oversee benefit vendor relationships, annual renewals, and open enrollment.
• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific leave programs, and other employee leave requests.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, benefits, and leave regulations while continuously improving the employee experience.

• Provide strategic oversight and support partnering closely with Talent Acquisition leadership.
• Collaborate on workforce planning and hiring priorities to support business objectives.
• Review recruiting metrics and hiring trends to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Support employer branding initiatives and executive-level hiring as needed.
• Champion an exceptional candidate experience that reflects the milk + honey brand.

milk + honey offers the following benefits:

• Competitive compensation & bonus structure
• Affordable Health, Dental and Vision plans after 30 days of employment 
• Paid Time Off upon hire 
• Matching 401k Plan
• Company Paid Basic Life/AD&D
• m+h Monthly Spa Credit
• Generous Discounts on Spa, Salon, and medSPA treatments and products (based on location availability)
• Training Opportunities and Continuing Education
• LA Fitness
• Parental Leave Program
• Paid Volunteer Time Off Opportunities 

Why You’ll Love it Here:

• Embrace Kindness: Work in a supportive environment where your well-being and the well-being of our guest come first.
• Foster Connection: Build deep, meaningful relationships with guests and team members while creating stunning looks that boost confidence.
• Integrity at Every Turn: Deliver high-quality services that you can be proud of, knowing that we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.
• Celebrate Inclusiveness: Join a diverse team where everyone’s unique style and perspective are celebrated.
• Pursue Excellence: Thrive in a space where ongoing education, creativity, and personal growth are at the heart of everything we do.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience.
• Experience leading Human Resources functions within a growing, multi-location organization.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including significant experience with California employment law and compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, workplace investigations, policy development, compliance, and employment risk management.
• Experience partnering with Talent Acquisition leadership and executive teams on workforce planning and hiring strategies.
• Experience overseeing payroll, benefits administration, leave management, and HR operations.
• Proven ability to coach leaders, build relationships, and influence at all levels of an organization.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to think strategically while executing operationally.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate confidently, empathetically, and professionally.
• SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR certification is preferred.