Restaurant HR Manager job description

A Restaurant HR Manager oversees all human resources functions within a restaurant or restaurant group, managing recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws. This role is vital for maintaining a positive work environment, reducing turnover, and ensuring the restaurant operates with a skilled and motivated staff.

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What is a Restaurant HR Manager?

A Restaurant HR Manager is a specialized human resources professional who focuses exclusively on the unique workforce needs of the restaurant industry. This role combines traditional HR expertise with deep knowledge of restaurant operations, handling everything from hiring servers and kitchen staff to managing compliance with industry-specific regulations. They serve as the crucial link between restaurant employees and management, ensuring that both front-of-house and back-of-house teams are properly supported, trained, and aligned with the establishment's standards and culture.

What does a Restaurant HR Manager do?

A Restaurant HR Manager handles recruitment and staffing for all restaurant positions, from line cooks to serving staff. They conduct interviews, onboard new hires, and manage orientation processes specific to restaurant operations. They develop and implement training programs for food safety, customer service, and restaurant protocols. They manage employee relations, addressing conflicts, performance issues, and ensuring fair treatment. They oversee compliance with labor laws, health regulations, and safety standards. They administer payroll, benefits, and scheduling systems. They develop retention strategies to reduce industry turnover and maintain staffing levels. They investigate and resolve workplace complaints or violations.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Restaurant HR Manager to oversee all human resources functions within our multi-unit restaurant organization. This role will partner with restaurant leadership to develop and implement HR strategies that support our growing business, ensure compliance with labor laws, and foster a positive work environment across all locations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in high-volume restaurant HR management with expertise in recruitment, employee relations, and performance management specific to the food service industry.

Restaurant HR Manager responsibilities include:

1. Develop and execute restaurant-specific recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent for front-of-house and back-of-house positions 2. Manage full-cycle recruitment process for hourly and salaried restaurant staff across multiple locations 3. Implement and oversee comprehensive onboarding programs tailored to restaurant operations and brand standards 4. Handle employee relations matters including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans 5. Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws, including FLSA, OSHA, and EEOC regulations for restaurant operations 6. Develop and administer restaurant-specific training programs for food safety, customer service, and operational excellence 7. Manage payroll processing, benefits administration, and workers' compensation claims for restaurant employees 8. Analyze turnover metrics and develop retention strategies to reduce staffing costs and maintain operational consistency 9. Partner with restaurant managers on staffing optimization, scheduling efficiency, and labor cost control 10. Maintain accurate employee records and ensure proper documentation for all HR activities
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Must-Have Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field 2. 5+ years of HR generalist experience in multi-unit restaurant or hospitality environment 3. Thorough knowledge of federal and state employment laws specific to restaurant industry 4. Proven experience with high-volume recruitment for hourly restaurant positions 5. Expertise in handling complex employee relations issues in fast-paced environments 6. SHRM-CP or PHR certification required 7. Experience with restaurant-specific HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Toast, HotSchedules, Aloha) 8. Strong understanding of restaurant operations, including tip credit compliance and uniform guidelines 9. Ability to travel to multiple restaurant locations as needed 10. Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Human Resources or MBA 2. SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification 3. 7+ years of HR management experience in restaurant chains with 10+ locations 4. Experience with union avoidance and labor relations in restaurant settings 5. Bilingual in Spanish and English 6. Experience implementing restaurant-specific HR technology solutions 7. Background in developing restaurant management training programs 8. Knowledge of local market labor trends and competitive wage analysis 9. Experience with restaurant acquisition integration and organizational restructuring 10. Proven track record of reducing turnover in high-volume restaurant environments

Bonus Skills

1. Expertise in restaurant industry compliance with Department of Labor regulations 2. Experience with international restaurant expansion and global HR compliance 3. Certification in food safety management (ServSafe Manager) 4. Background in developing restaurant employee engagement and recognition programs 5. Experience with restaurant franchise HR support and compliance 6. Knowledge of restaurant-specific benefits programs and wellness initiatives 7. Expertise in restaurant workforce planning and seasonal staffing strategies 8. Experience with restaurant HR analytics and predictive staffing models 9. Background in restaurant diversity and inclusion program development 10. Certification in conflict resolution or mediation specific to hospitality industry

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