Field Hrbp (Restaurant Operations)

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a Field HRBP to serve as a strategic and hands-on HR partner supporting multi-unit restaurant operations across the region. This role serves as the primary HR partner for multiple locations, working closely with operations leaders to provide practical HR support and guidance.

The Field HRBP partners with Legal on sensitive or escalated employee relations matters, ensuring compliant and well-managed outcomes. They also drive consistency in HR practices across locations, reinforcing standardized approaches to hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions.

This is a highly field-focused role requiring frequent travel to restaurant locations to proactively manage employee relations, compliance, investigations, and workforce stability. The ideal candidate brings strong restaurant HR experience, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is confident handling sensitive people issues on the ground.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employee Relations & Investigations

·      Lead and conduct employee relations investigations, including complaints, disputes, and potential legal issues.

(e.g., harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination)

·      Provide guidance to managers on conflict resolution, documentation, and disciplinary actions.

·      Identify patterns, trends, and recurring issues, and implement proactive solutions to mitigate risks.

·      Proactively address workplace culture, engagement, and morale issues.

Compliance & Risk Management:

·      Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (wage & hour, meal breaks, I-9, etc.)

·      Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently implemented across all locations.

·      Identify and mitigate potential HR and legal risks in field operations.

·      Audit HR practices across locations (documentation, terminations, policy adherence).

·      Review termination decisions and ensure proper documentation to minimize legal exposure.

Operations Partnership:

·      Act as a trusted advisor to Regional Managers and Store Leaders.

·      Support workforce planning, staffing challenges, and turnover reduction initiatives.

·      Monitor key HR metrics (e.g., turnover, absenteeism, employee complaints) and provide data-driven recommendations.

·      Provide actionable insights based on field observations.

Training & Leadership Development

·      Train and coach managers on employee relations best practices, labor law compliance, and performance management

·      Guide managers on performance management processes, including documentation, corrective actions, and employee communication.

·      Develop frontline leadership capabilities to improve retention, engagement, and team effectiveness.

Field Presence:

·      Travel frequently (up to 50–70%) to restaurant locations across the region.

·      Build strong relationships with frontline employees and management teams.

·      Gain real-time visibility into operational and people challenges.

·      Intervene on-site when necessary to address critical employee relations or compliance issues.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

·      5+ years of HR experience in a multi-unit restaurant or hospitality group

·      Proven experience handling employee relations investigations and compliance issues

·      Strong knowledge of California labor laws (multi-state experience is a plus)

·      Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, field-based environment.

·      Excellent judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills

·      Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organization

·      Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing business needs

EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS:

·      Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

·      Fluent in English and Spanish

·      Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently

·      Willingness to travel frequently across assigned regions

·      Experience supporting high-volume restaurant operations (QSR or casual dining)

·      PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification

·      Experience partnering with Legal teams on investigations or claims

·      Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP) and Microsoft Office

Work schedule

• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekend availability
• Other

Supplemental pay

• Other
• Bonus pay

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Referral program
• Employee discount
• Mileage reimbursement