Human Resources Generalist

Position Purpose: The People Generalist (HR) role supports restaurant management and employees across all aspects of human resources and payroll. Under the guidance of the Vice President of People, the People Generalist will take ownership of various initiatives to move the company forward and will operate at a high level of precision and independence to ensure proper execution of projects. The People Generalist should be enthusiastic about modernizing and digitizing HR processes in a multi-unit restaurant environment to improve efficiency and employee experience. Must be well-versed in federal, state and local labor laws as well as company policies, and act in accordance with them at all times.

*Must be fluent in Spanish.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

Onboarding Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the end-to-end onboarding process for new hires, ensuring a smooth and positive employee experience.
• Must be present on-site to facilitate onboarding for employees at all locations.
• Manage pre-employment and onboarding activities, including required documentation, background checks, new hire forms, and system access.
• Conduct new hire orientation and provide employees with information regarding company policies, benefits, procedures, and workplace expectations.
• Maintain accurate and timely employee records in HRIS and other applicable systems.
• Ensure onboarding activities are completed in compliance with company policies and applicable employment laws and regulations, including E-Verify submissions.
• Serve as a primary HR point of contact for new hires during the onboarding process, addressing questions and facilitating a successful transition into the organization.
• Monitor onboarding completion and follow up on outstanding requirements to ensure all new hire processes are completed within established timelines.

Payroll

• Cross-check and submit weekly payroll for designated locations, paying close attention to ensure proper tips, 7(I) exemption, service charge, OT, training, SOH, and PTO (when applicable) are administered in compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Update and distribute weekly payroll templates for designated locations.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of weekly payroll to locations.
• Assist by entering new hires and terminating employees in the payroll system as needed.
• Set up and maintain direct deposits in employee profiles.

Performance Management

• Coach and advise managers on performance management techniques, including training, coaching and progressive discipline.
• Assist in preparing disciplinary action forms for locations and ensure thorough record keeping.

Employee Relations

• Act as a liaison to employees, ensuring the opportunity to channel feedback to management and ownership.
• Promptly respond to employee questions and requests such as PTO balance inquiries, pay stub or employee letter requests, etc.
• Foster positive working relationships with leaders in the field, guiding them on best practices while demonstrating empathy for operational challenges and needs.
• Meet with managers to resolve employee relations issues, and coach, counsel, and advice supervisors and managers regarding policy interpretation and proper procedures.
• Conduct exit interviews with staff and prepare feedback for management.

Benefits Administration

• Communicate all benefits to eligible employees, answer questions regarding benefits, communicate enrollment dates and process applications.
• Assist with the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, benefits elections, and related administrative support.
• Answer specific questions regarding coverage (what is covered, when I can enroll, why I am not covered yet, etc.), vacation and other benefit usage.
• Administer weekly 401K benefits in accordance with guidelines and regulations
• Assist in administering the workers compensation program by communicating with managers and employees, and act as a liaison with insurer, care providers, and claim adjusters as needed.
• Liaise with Managers, Employees, and Health Care professionals as needed to engage in the interactive process, arranging for accommodations, return-to-work plans if required, and for other leave-related matters.

Compliance

• Partner with management to communicate Human Resources policies, procedures, programs and laws.
• Train managers on filling out documents in compliance with current laws
• Assist in leading trainings as necessary and qualified.
• Review new hire paperwork upon completion to ensure compliance.
• Verify that all locations maintain postings in compliance with current laws.
• Ensure that employee records are complete and submitted in a timely fashion.
• Help ensure that the company is always in compliance with all federal, state and local labor laws.
• Execute audits and reports as needed.

Business Development/Strategy

• Collaborate on the creation and implementation of new HR incentives and programs.
• Periodically review current policies/procedures and suggest improvements.
• Spearhead various special projects as directed.

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR Management, Business Administration or relevant field (or equivalent experience/education)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Two years’ experience in Human Resources (in the hospitality industry strongly preferred)
• Strong proficiency in MS Office
• Experience working with HR technology (HRIS, timekeeping and ATS, etc)
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills – emotional intelligence, diplomacy and leadership
• Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, and time management skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling all HR matters with the maximum possible confidentiality
• Ability to work well under pressure, function successfully both as an individual contributor and team player

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. However, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience, which provide an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, is acceptable.

It is understood that as People Generalist you are responsible to maintain knowledge of the current laws and company policies. You will be required to continually develop this knowledge on your own time and stay on top of current updates. Your progress in education will be evaluated on ongoing basis. Likewise, the company will assist in any way possible with any educational goals that relate to your duties as Human Resources Generalist (with prior management approval).