Description

HR Manager with Growth-Track Role with a Clear Path to Director

This is a rare opportunity to step into an HR Manager role at a pivotal moment in our company's growth, with a defined path to promotion within 12–24 months  as we continue to scale. We're not looking for someone to fill a seat; we're looking for someone to grow with us.

You'll join a lean, collaborative HR team as the primary point of contact for our General Managers and hourly staff across all locations, owning employee relations, performance management, recruiting, and onboarding. You'll work closely with our Senior Payroll Specialist, who owns compensation and payroll operations, so you can focus fully on the people side of the business.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit behind a policy manual. It's a role for someone energized by the complexity of people in a fast-paced, high-turnover environment, someone who can hold a difficult conversation with care and confidence, and who sees every challenge as a chance to build something more scalable than what came before.

Why this role is different: As the company grows, so does this position. You won't just be maintaining HR processes, you'll be building them, and building your own case for advancement in the process. High performers in this seat have a clear runway toward promotion within 12–24 months, as scope expands with company growth, with the opportunity to build and lead a growing HR function. If you're looking for a role where your impact is visible, your growth is intentional, and your career path is a conversation we're already having, this is it.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Employee Relations

        Serve as the first point of contact for employee concerns, complaints, and workplace conflicts across all locations.

        Conduct prompt, neutral, and thorough investigations into employee relations matters, documenting findings and recommending appropriate action.

        Partner with General Managers to coach through difficult conversations, performance concerns, and disciplinary processes.

        Conduct prompt, thorough, and neutral workplace investigations, including matters involving management and senior leadership.

        Coach and support General Managers through performance conversations, disciplinary actions, and sensitive terminations.

        Maintain a consistent, legally compliant approach to all ER matters in alignment with California employment law, including FEHA, anti-harassment requirements, and the California Labor Code.

        Maintain a consistent, fair, and legally compliant approach to all employee relations matters in alignment with California employment law.

Talent Acquisition

        Help facilitate the recruiting process for hourly and mid-level positions across all locations though owning job posting and offer letters.

        Partner with General Managers to assess staffing needs and develop location level hiring plans.

Onboarding and Performance Management 

        Continuously refine a consistent, culture-reflective onboarding experience across all locations.

        Maintain the performance review cycle and ensure managers are equipped to deliver meaningful, documented feedback.

        Support performance improvement plan development and manage the documentation of progressive discipline processes.

        Coordinate new hire documentation, I-9 compliance, systems access, and new hire training.

        Manage offboarding processes including final pay coordination with the Payroll Specialist and equipment or access recovery.

Performance Management

        Support managers in delivering timely and constructive performance feedback and documentation.

        Maintain performance review schedules and ensure consistency of process across locations.

        Assist in the development of performance improvement plans where appropriate.

HR Operations and Compliance

        Maintain accurate and current employee records in the HRIS system.

        Coordinate with the Senior Payroll Specialist to ensure employment data integrity across HR and payroll systems.

        Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure data integrity across HR systems, coordinating with the Senior Payroll Specialist on compensation and status changes.

        Administer and manage leave of absence programs including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and other California-specific leave entitlements.

        Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, and acknowledgment records; stay current on California and federal employment law changes.

        Manage California wage and hour compliance as it intersects with HR, including classification reviews, meal and rest break policy, and documentation standards.

        Support internal compliance audits and respond to regulatory inquiries in coordination with senior leadership and legal counsel.

Requirements

Required

        Four to six years of HR Generalist or two to three years of HR Management experience, with demonstrated ownership of employee relations.

        Working knowledge of California employment law, including wage and hour requirements, leave laws, and anti-discrimination standards.

        Experience in hospitality, food service, or another high-turnover, multi-location environment strongly preferred.

        Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, sound judgment, and care.

        Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable facilitating difficult conversations at all levels.

        Proficiency with HRIS systems and standard HR technology tools.