Director of Human Resources

Thomas Keller Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and strategic Director of Human Resources to lead the overall people strategy across our restaurants and support teams. This role partners closely with executive leadership to shape and execute HR initiatives that support operational excellence, employee engagement, and long-term growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands the realities of restaurant operations, values mentorship and collaboration, and can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution.

What You’ll Do:

People Strategy & Leadership

• Lead and execute the company’s overall people strategy, aligning HR initiatives with business goals, guest experience, and organizational growth.

• Serve as a role model for the Team Charter and Core Values, fostering a culture grounded in respect, accountability, and teamwork.

• Provide leadership and oversight to the Human Resources team.

Culture, Engagement & Development

• Shape and sustain a people-first culture that promotes inclusion, engagement, and high performance.

• Coordinate employee engagement initiatives including Town Halls, company events, and internal communications.

• Lead employee retention strategies focused on career development, recognition, and well-being.

Compliance, Employee Relations & Infrastructure

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.

• Lead employee relations efforts, promoting respectful, solution-oriented approaches to workplace challenges.

• Establish and scale HR systems, processes, and infrastructure to support growth and operational efficiency.

• Oversee HRIS systems, workforce analytics, and reporting to support data-driven decision-making.

Compensation, Benefits & PEO Partnership

• Partner with Finance to oversee compensation, benefits, and rewards programs.

• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, including workers’ compensation, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plans.

• Oversee safety programs, ERISA reporting, and regulatory compliance in collaboration with Finance and Accounting.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of Senior HR leadership experience, ideally within hospitality, fine dining restaurants, and/or service-driven environments.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification

• Strong working knowledge of labor compliance, employee relations, and organizational development.

• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with leaders, managers, and hourly teams.

• Strategic, collaborative leadership style with strong execution skills.

• Passion for developing people and supporting excellence in hospitality.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role, supporting the people who bring our restaurants to life. Although this is not a remote position, we are open to which of our locations this role will operate out of. We encourage all who are interested to apply. 

Chef Keller’s collection of restaurants are founded on a culture of mentorship and provide a solid foundation of skills to support the culinary profession.  We are proud to offer: 

• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• 401K with no waiting periods and the opportunity to receive up to 4.0% of your earnings as matching contributions
• Competitive health insurance options, with employer contributions toward your premium based on the plan you choose
• Voluntary plans such as vision, life and AD&D insurance, accident, hospitalization, critical illness plans, pet insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Daily family meal
• Peer mentorship program
• Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Keller’s casual properties
• Gym membership discount
• Paid time off

Who we are:

With more than 10 properties and 800 employees, the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group (TKRG) has grown from one restaurant to a large family of businesses.

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are known for setting new standards in cuisine, service and employment experiences. Our goal is to collaborate with talented restaurant professionals and offer opportunities to learn and grow within the hospitality profession. As we have expanded over time, the expectations that set apart our restaurants have not changed: ensuring that every guest feels special, and every guest experience is exceptional. A guest can walk into The French Laundry or one of the Bouchon Bakeries and have the most enjoyable, unique and memorable experience. A chef will find the same blue aprons and green tape in each of our kitchens—symbols of a common striving for excellence. Outside the kitchens, every action we take must reflect the generosity, nurturing and finesse within. As members of the TKRG family, we have the responsibility to ensure this consistency. Beyond it all is a mission, perhaps summed up best by Chef Keller himself. “To make people happy, one guest at a time,” he says. “That is what cooking is all about.” 

Looking for other opportunities with our group? Check out open positions on:  ThomasKeller.com/careers

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.


*Company contribution depends on your plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change over time.