People & Culture Manager

Zuma San Diego is coming soon! With this amazing new location just around the corner we are hiring a People and Culture Manage to join our pre-opening team. The People and Culture Manager is a key leader within our San Diego team, responsible for driving a people-first, high-performance culture that reflects Zuma’s values and supports our operational excellence. You will oversee all core HR functions across the venue including: employee relations, training and development, compliance, performance management, talent support, and day-to-day People operations. Working closely with senior leadership and department heads, you will help shape an engaging team experience across one of the most dynamic hospitality environments in California. Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection. At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values: Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do Main Duties Your key responsibilities will include: Serve as a trusted partner and advisor to managers and team members on HR matters, including employee relations, performance concerns, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation Drive a welcoming and thorough onboarding experience for all new hires, including orientation, training coordination, and follow-up Provide guidance and support to the Talent Acquisition Manager and Payroll Manager when needed, ensuring alignment with HR processes and employee experience standards Partner with department heads to assess training needs and coordinate employee development opportunities that support growth and retention Ensure HR policies and procedures are clearly communicated, consistently applied, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws Manage all employee changes in HRIS systems (new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, etc.) and maintain accurate, confidential employee records Champion and help execute initiatives related to company culture, employee engagement, and recognition Coordinate and support performance management activities, including reviews, coaching plans, and documentation Be present and available to team members across shifts, building trust and maintaining visibility within the operation What We Look For Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred Minimum 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a hospitality or restaurant environment Strong knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and best practices Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., ADP Workforce) and Microsoft Office Suite Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills Passion for HR and a commitment to supporting the needs of employees and the organization We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy: World-Class training, designed to inspire and educate Global opportunities , experience hospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands Health Benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure your well-being Family Meals are shared daily Rewards & Recognition, we value our team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningful rewards and recognition Staff discount, enjoy exclusive discounts across the Azumi group, worldwide! Our Commitment to Inclusivity We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know. #J-18808-Ljbffr