Director of Human Resources

Our client seeks a skilled strategic leader to run and direct all things people-centric and human resources-oriented in San Francisco, CA. This is an opportunity to guide a three-person HR team through hands-on leadership in a dynamic and growing 200-person company in the fine-dining space. 

This privately owned company desires a self-starter and strategic thinker who understands the needs of a diverse restaurant workforce and the demands of a fast-paced work environment. Prior experience in food and beverage and hospitality is required, and bi-lingual language skills, specifically Spanish, are preferred.

Depending on experience, the base compensation is $150k - $175k.

Benefits & Perks

• 100% paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401K with up to 3% matching employer contribution
• Free Parking
• Tax-deferred commuter benefits program to save on parking or public transportation
• Dining discounts across all company restaurants
• Employee wine purchasing program
• Family meals provided daily
• Sponsorship of continuing education classes to help further your career
• For the preferred candidate, a relocation package may be offered 

Who We Are Looking For

This is an opportunity for someone to help a highly successful restaurant ownership group get even better. An HR leader who enjoys supporting a vibrant culture with excellent communication, strategic initiatives, and an appreciation for food and beverage service will thrive.

The Director of Human Resources will champion the company’s mission, vision, and values in everything they do. This is an active position, and the person in it should expect to spend time in the company’s restaurants, including at night and sometimes on weekends. This position is the primary point of contact for compliance with all HR issues of policy and procedures.

This person should enjoy starting and completing major projects, such as implementing an HRIS and developing reporting about hiring, turnover, and employee engagement.

The right candidate will have a working knowledge of the restaurant business and have held FOH and BOH positions in the industry at some point in their career. The perfect fit will be a self-starter who brings strategic initiatives to the table and is comfortable ensuring their voice is heard.

This position is based in downtown San Francisco and reports to the Director of Operations. The person must be California-based, but they could commute to the Bay Area and potentially work a hybrid schedule after initial time in the role. The position has two direct reports: an HR Generalist and a Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Major Responsibilities

• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the department and services performed
• Administer various human resource plans and procedures for all company personnel; assist in the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures; prepare and maintain employee handbook and policies and procedures manual
• Monitor and report on salary and wage administration, including PTO tracking and usage
• Act as the intake liaison for all Family Medical Leave requests. To oversee the administration and compliance of these requests also to include military leave requests 
• Create and administer HR reports to track wage management turnover and audit workers' compensation-related injuries 
• Assist in the oversight and administration of employee compensation; monitor the performance evaluation program and revise as necessary
• Monitor and track compliance to all healthcare-related initiatives, including HIPAA compliance
• Develop and maintain affirmative action program; file EEO-1 report annually; maintain other records, reports, and logs to conform to EEO regulations
• Assist in supporting operations-based recruiting initiatives as requested 
• Oversee recruiting and the company’s talent acquisition specialist
• Handle employee relations counseling, outplacement counseling, and exit interviews
• Participate in administrative staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars
• Assist in evaluating department reports, decisions, and results concerning established goals.
• Maintain human resource information system records and compile employee-centric reports about hiring, retention, etc.
• Ensure that the company complies with federal and state regulations concerning employment
• Assist in the investigation and coordination of disciplinary actions when necessary against claims of discrimination, wrongdoing, theft, or harassment within the work environment, including harassment 
• Serve as a first-step mediator working to keep minor issues from escalating to major problems 
• Field and then, as necessary, escalate complaints and concerns as well as requests for guidance or counseling
• Act as a liaison for clarification of company policies, safety and health programs, and disciplinary actions 
• Provide advice and counsel to operations management regarding personnel practices, policy, and employment law 
• Oversee the administration of unemployment responses and appeals in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner
• Facilitate/administer background checks as determined by Company policy. Interpret results and take the necessary action as required, including adverse actions 
• Oversee the administration of  I-9 compliance – E-verify 
• Continuously review local, state, and federal requirements, identifying opportunities to implement processes and programs to close identified gaps 

Requirements/ Professional Experience and Skills

• 7 to 10+ years of related work experience with progressive human resources responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field – preferably human resources or business management – SHRM certification SPHR/PHR preferred
• The preferred candidate will have held positions of progressive responsibility within the hospitality/food and beverage industry in the full-service business sector 
• In-depth knowledge of human resources laws and associated responsibilities, specifically wage and hour, FMLA, privacy practices, and experience in working with DOL laws and guidelines and California legal compliance
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the company’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the Ownership/Leadership, the responsibility for company-wide employee “management.”  
• Organizational and problem-solving skills that allow for strategic data interpretation, the ability to identify trends in people through the use of data 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating information, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside stakeholders in formal updates/proposals 
• Must be able to impact and influence, think strategically,  execute,e and innovate
• Must demonstrate a high-energy personality and be strong in action orientation 
• MS Office and email proficiency 

This is your opportunity to elevate a human resources team and make a difference in a company that has already experienced success. Our client enjoys nothing more than rewarding success!

We look forward to the submission of your qualifications. 

Thank you!