Human Resources Generalist

Mattos Hospitality is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and people-focused Human Resources & Payroll Manager to join our Corporate Office team in New York.

This is a hands-on role for an HR professional with a strong hospitality background who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. The Human Resources & Payroll Manager will oversee payroll administration, benefits, HR operations, compliance, employee records, and HR systems while partnering closely with Human Resources Director and restaurant leadership to support our teams and the business.

The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and outstanding organizational skills. They are proactive, solutions-oriented, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and committed to delivering a high standard of service while maintaining the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality.

This position is based in the Mattos Hospitality Corporate Office. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process across multiple restaurant locations, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing through ADP Workforce Now while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Maintain and administer the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring employee records, organizational data, reporting, and system information remain accurate and up to date.
• Administer employee benefits, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, annual open enrollment, COBRA administration, and ongoing communication with employees and benefit providers.
• Coordinate all aspects of employee onboarding and offboarding, ensuring a seamless, organized, and compliant experience.
• Maintain employee personnel files, HR records, I-9 documentation, and all employment-related records in accordance with company standards and legal requirements.
• Administer leave programs, including FMLA, Paid Family Leave, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other applicable federal, state, and local leave regulations.
• Serve as the primary HR resource for managers and employees regarding payroll, benefits, leave administration, company policies, and HR procedures.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and maintain all required HR documentation, postings, and reporting requirements.
• Support employee relations by assisting with investigations, documentation, performance management, corrective actions, and policy interpretation.
• Prepare employment letters, compensation changes, promotions, status changes, and other HR documentation.
• Coordinate employment verifications, background checks, onboarding documentation, and compliance-related processes.
• Audit payroll, benefits, HRIS, and personnel records to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance.
• Prepare HR reports, payroll reports, and workforce metrics for leadership as needed.
• Partner with Operations, Finance, and external vendors to ensure accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR reporting.
• Assist with compensation reviews, bonus administration, benefits renewals, annual compliance initiatives, and other Human Resources projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, payroll procedures, and operational efficiencies while enhancing the employee experience.
• Perform additional Human Resources and payroll responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including payroll administration.
• Previous Human Resources experience within the hospitality industry is required; multi-unit restaurant experience is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll through ADP Workforce Now is required.
• Experience administering employee benefits, leave programs, HR compliance, employee records, onboarding, and payroll.
• Experience working with Harri HRIS is preferred; experience with comparable Human Resources Information Systems will also be considered .
• Strong working knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws, wage and hour regulations, and HR best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and supporting people.

Core Competencies

• Payroll Administration
• Benefits Administration
• HRIS Management
• Employment Law & Compliance
• Leave Administration
• Employee Relations
• HR Operations
• Data Integrity & Reporting
• Organization & Time Management
• Process Improvement
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment

Company Values

We require a positive and respectful attitude in the workplace. Understand and behave in line with the company's values of Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, and Resilience.

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid Personal and Safe & Sick Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Commuter Benefits
• Dining Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program 

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Mattos Hospitality reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Mattos Hospitality or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.