Human Resources Business Partner

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food delivered with our signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, the company now extends beyond the walls of its eateries.


USHG has long supported its communities through hunger relief and civic organizations. USHG holds 28 James Beard Awards and numerous accolades for its distinctive style of hospitality.


Who you are:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) will be the first HR hire sitting in Boston and will serve as the face of USHG's culture and values on the ground. In partnership with Operational leaders and the New York based home office team, the HRBP will provide strategic support for a growing Restaurant & Bar team in the areas of performance management, employee relations, talent retention and development, and the local implementation of home office training and policy initiatives. They will also provide operational support in the areas of compliance, policy interpretation, on-ground Benefits & Payroll assistance, and building/stakeholder partnership.
This is a highly connected role and will partner extensively with Boston operational teams and New York home office.


What you’ll do:

Culture, Values & Strategic Partnership

• Consistently deliver a culture of Enlightened Hospitality to guests and team members, serving as the primary on-the-ground ambassador of USHG's culture and values
• Build and maintain scalable, systemic HR processes in partnership with home office teams and own the local implementation and follow-up of trainings, policies, and initiatives — partnering closely with home office stakeholders on content and rollout, while bearing ultimate responsibility for execution on the ground
• Serve as the main point of contact for talent development & retention including partnering with home office staff and on-site leaders to define clear growth pathways for hourly and managerial staff
• Support the adoption, education, and implementation of HR initiatives related to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, employee outreach and support, and community outreach
  
  
  • Develop stakeholder partnership with property ownership/management

Operational & Compliance Support

• Take lead on investigating all employee relations issues, including conducting investigations, recommending next steps to leaders, and ensuring appropriate documentation
• Provide leadership in all areas of performance management, accommodation requests, workers' compensation claims, and leaves of absences
• Actively partner with our Learning & Development team on the ongoing training, development, and growth of hourly and managerial employees
• Support managers and employees in the understanding and application of employment law, industry regulations & trends, HR best practices, and applicable Federal, State, & Local laws
• Develop and conduct regular employment practices audits in conjunction with the USHG legal team
• Serve as an engaged, on-the-ground partner in recruitment strategy — supporting sourcing and interviewing as needed, with growing responsibility for helping managers hit hiring targets in partnership with the home office Talent team
• Provide support for on-the-ground payroll and benefits questions, escalating more complex matters to the home office Payroll and Benefits teams; this role supports these processes and will neither administer nor run them

What we need from you:

• 5+ years HR experience, supporting the full scope of Human Resources practices
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Organizational Psychology, or related field OR commensurate work experience related to HR
• SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification required
• Knowledge of HRIS systems
• Excellent oral & written communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging for intended audiences
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws
• Solid problem-solving skills and comfort holding peers and leaders accountable
• Demonstrated experience supporting talent retention and development
• Organizational awareness and team-oriented leadership, with the ability to work as a highly connected partner within a larger system rather than independently
• Demonstrated ability to embody and reinforce USHG's core values and behaviors in daily decision-making
• Sound judgment around discretion and confidentiality — including knowing how and when to share information with staff, particularly around compensation and sensitive conversations
• English fluency. Spanish language strongly preferred

The work environment for this role includes the following:

• Involves sitting and will involve walking or standing for periods of time based on department needs
• Involves travel to and from operations and occasional travel off site
• Repetitive behaviors related to office and administrative duties

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Human Resources Business Partner, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $80,000 - $90,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.