HR Director

Help Shape The Future Of One Of Portland's Most Beloved Food Companies

Elephants Delicatessen is looking for an experienced, thoughtful HR leader to help guide the next chapter of our organization. This is an opportunity for someone who sees Human Resources as more than policies and processes—as a strategic partner to the business, a trusted resource for employees and leaders, and a steward of company culture.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Human Resources Director will lead our organization-wide people strategy while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day employee experience. You will partner with executive and operational leaders across Elephants, lead and develop the Payroll and Benefits Specialist, and collaborate with HR team members supporting our operating divisions.

This role is ideal for an HR leader who enjoys moving between strategy and hands-on support. One day may involve advising the executive team on organizational planning, while the next may include coaching a manager, guiding an employee relations matter, reviewing workforce data, or improving an HR process.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, managers, and employees across the organization.

Help translate Elephants' business goals into practical people strategies that support growth, operational effectiveness, and employee retention.

Coach leaders through employee relations, performance management, workplace concerns, organizational change, and other complex people matters.

Strengthen how we attract, welcome, develop, recognize, and retain employees across our locations and divisions.

Guide key HR programs, including compensation, benefits, payroll-related processes, leave and accommodations, workplace safety, workers' compensation, and HR technology.

Use workforce information and employee feedback to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support thoughtful decision-making.

Promote consistent, fair, and legally compliant employment practices while recognizing the distinct needs of each Elephants division.

Help preserve what makes Elephants special while guiding the organization through continued growth and change.

At least eight years of progressive HR experience, including three or more years in an HR leadership or people-management role.

Experience supporting a multi-location, hourly workforce; experience in food service, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, or another fast-paced operational environment is strongly preferred.

Strong judgment and demonstrated experience navigating complex employee relations matters and workplace investigations.

Broad knowledge of HR practices and federal and Oregon employment requirements; multi-state experience is a plus.

Experience leading significant HR projects, system improvements, or organizational initiatives. Experience with Paylocity or a comparable HRIS is required, and Restaurant365 experience is preferred.

A collaborative and approachable leadership style, with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively at every level of an organization.

A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. SHRM or HRCI certification is preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Professional fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

At Elephants, we treat one another with respect and openness while holding ourselves to high standards. We are looking for a leader who can balance empathy with accountability, listen carefully, communicate directly, and help create an environment where employees and the business can thrive.

If you are an experienced HR leader who wants to make a meaningful impact on a values-driven, locally owned organization, we would love to meet you.