Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing and administering a variety of day-to-day human resources functions, including employee relations, employee benefits, employee communications, hiring, professional development, and legal compliance within designated restaurant locations. They are also responsible for new hire compliance, employee file management, managing all digital and hard-copy databases and filing systems. This position works very closely with the HR team and restaurant management teams and is called upon to support restaurant operators on a regular basis.

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Direct Reports: (1) HR Coordinators or HR Generalists

Schedule: Full-time, salaried exempt position. The typical workweek is Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with occasional night or weekend hours as business needs require.

Required Attributes

• Passionate about helping and serving others, with a strong sense of empathy and humility.
• Resourceful, solution-oriented, and self-directed.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a professional demeanor.
• Adaptable, flexible, and capable of prioritizing and managing dynamic daily challenges.
• Process-oriented mindset with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Proactive and reliable team player to fellow team members and leaders.
• Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to manage a heavy workload, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Passionate about food, dining out, and the hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all restaurant locations addressing employee relations matters workplace concerns, complaints, and policy violations including escalating complex or high-risk matters to the Director of Human Resources or above as appropriate.
• Lead and conduct thorough, impartial investigations for all employee relations issues—including harassment allegations, discrimination, complaints, retaliation, and misconduct allegation; documenting findings and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Conduct comprehensive HR, payroll, benefits, labor, and compliance audits across all 16 locations to ensure adherence to company standards and regulatory mandates.
• Act as a Business Partner to restaurant management teams to communicate policies, procedures, programs, and employment laws.
• Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (coaching, counseling, career development, and disciplinary actions).
• Monitor and ensure strict compliance with all Federal, state (California), and local employment laws and regulations and escalate potential compliance concerns to the Director of Human Resources as appropriate.
• Identify recurring trends in employee relations issues and partner with leadership to proactively address root causes.
• Promote a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion across all 16 restaurant locations.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and oversee the day-to-day activities and workload of one (1) HR Coordinators.
• Manage the workers' compensation program, including initial injury reporting, modified duty assignments, claims management, and interfacing with clinics, third-party administrators, and employees.
• Administer the leave of absence (LOA) program, including documentation, compensation tracking, weekly reporting, and employee communications.
• Support payroll administration, ensuring all employees across units are paid accurately and in accordance with company HR policies and labor laws.
• Ensure data integrity and management within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
• Administer employment verifications, EDD claims, unemployment inquiries, and other official employment requests.
• Track and manage documentation for pay rate changes, PTO, and sick leave.
• Support the rollout of company training initiatives, onboarding materials, and HR policy updates.

COMPENSATION

$100,000 - $115,000 Per Year 

Required Experience & Skill Set

• Education: BA/BS degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a multi-unit restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Supervisory Experience: Prior experience guiding, managing, or supervising junior HR staff or administrative team members.
• Compliance Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of Federal, State (California), and local labor laws, regulations, and auditing processes.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with HRIS databases, payroll systems (e.g., Paylocity), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Communication: Advanced writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Discretion: High level of confidentiality and discretion handling sensitive employee relations issues.

PHYSICAL 

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for varying periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and frequently lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to move throughout restaurant locations as needed, including navigating kitchens, dining areas, service areas, and other operational spaces.