Human Resources Manager | New York Restaurant Operations | NYC

Human Resources Manager

Start Date: In Pre-Opening

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: New York, NY

Salary Range: $115,000 – $140,000 / year, commensurate with experience

About the Role

We are opening a new restaurant and are looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager to build our people function from the ground up. This is a pre-opening role, which means you will be shaping the hiring, onboarding, and culture of a team before it exists — and then leading the HR operation once we are open. If you thrive on building systems rather than inheriting them, this is a rare opportunity.

What You'll Do — Pre-Opening

• Plan and execute all HR activities in line with our opening timeline and brand standards
• Lead mass recruitment to ensure timely staffing of all operational and management roles ahead of opening
• Develop and implement pre-opening recruitment plans, hiring schedules, and onboarding timelines
• Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, policies, and HR documentation required for opening
• Ensure all new hires complete pre-employment checks, employment eligibility verification (I-9), and statutory documentation in compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City law
• Implement HR systems, employee files, record-keeping processes, and reporting structures prior to opening
• Coordinate and deliver pre-opening orientation, induction, and policy training for all employees
• Partner with department heads on manpower planning, job descriptions, and staffing structures
• Set up payroll coordination, benefits enrollment, and HR-finance workflows
• Support soft openings and opening events by ensuring HR coverage, compliance, and employee readiness

What You'll Do — Ongoing

• Oversee all HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding
• Manage the full recruitment cycle including job postings, interviews, and hiring coordination
• Maintain and update employee records, contracts, and HR documentation accurately
• Provide guidance to management and employees on HR policies and procedures
• Handle employee relations matters, grievances, and disciplinary processes professionally and confidentially
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City employment law
• Support performance management including appraisals and development plans
• Monitor attendance, leave management, and employee data reporting
• Coordinate training, development, and engagement initiatives across departments
• Prepare HR reports, audits, and documentation for senior leadership
• Liaise with finance on payroll and with outside counsel or agencies as needed on compliance matters
• Promote a professional, respectful, and positive workplace environment
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all employee and company information

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Human Resources within the Restaurant Industry
• Proven experience in HR operations, employee relations, and U.S. employment law compliance
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• Strong working knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and best practices
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR certification preferred
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with diplomacy and integrity
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting
• Ability to work flexible schedules when required by operational needs

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer