Human Resources Business Partner

Highwire Coffee Roasters Location: Hybrid – San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland, CA) Status: Full-Time Position Summary Highwire Coffee Roasters is seeking a pragmatic, people-first Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to support and strengthen our growing retail and production teams. This role will serve as a strategic and operational partner to leadership and store management across all people functions including employee relations, performance management, recruiting support, compliance, coaching, organizational development, and culture. It is a hands‑on role for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, balances empathy with accountability, and is energized by helping operators build strong teams and sustainable people practices. The ideal candidate understands hospitality and retail environments, communicates clearly and professionally, and can navigate complexity with sound judgment and calm execution. Core Responsibilities Employee Relations & Performance Management Serve as the primary HR partner for store managers, operations leaders, and production leadership. Provide guidance and coaching on employee relations matters, workplace investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and performance management. Support leaders in delivering timely, consistent, and legally compliant accountability processes. Partner with leadership to improve communication standards, professionalism, and workplace culture. Help reduce organizational risk through proactive coaching, documentation, and policy alignment. Leadership Coaching & Operational Partnership Build trusted relationships with leaders across retail, roastery, and support operations. Coach managers on leadership effectiveness, team engagement, staffing, retention, and communication. Support organizational planning, succession planning, and talent development efforts. Participate in operational meetings and help translate business priorities into people strategies. Recruiting & Onboarding Partner with hiring managers on staffing strategy and workforce planning. Support recruiting coordination, interview processes, and hiring best practices. Ensure onboarding experiences are organized, welcoming, and operationally effective. Assist in developing training and onboarding resources for retail and production teams. Compliance & Policy Administration Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Maintain and support HR policies, handbook standards, and workplace procedures. Partner with outside counsel or consultants when needed regarding employee matters. Support leave administration, accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and documentation practices. Manage day‑to‑day HR administration including HRIS data integrity, personnel file maintenance, offer letters, status change processing, and employment verifications. Culture & Employee Experience Help reinforce Highwire’s culture through thoughtful communication, consistency, and leadership partnership. Support employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and feedback mechanisms. Assist in creating a workplace environment rooted in professionalism, hospitality, accountability, and inclusion. Qualifications 3–5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in hospitality, retail, food & beverage, or multi‑unit operations. Strong working knowledge of California employment law and employee relations practices. Experience supporting frontline operational teams in fast‑paced environments. Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and confidential situations with discretion and professionalism. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with day‑to‑day execution. Experience with investigations, corrective actions, and coaching managers preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred. PHR/SPHR or SHRM certification is a plus. Role Structure Hybrid role based in the San Francisco Bay Area; must be able to work in person at Oakland locations as needed. Regular in‑person presence at Highwire store locations and roastery across Oakland and the Bay Area. Some evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required based on business needs. Representation at collective bargaining sessions as the HR point of contact for management. Company Culture At Highwire, we believe exceptional hospitality starts internally. We’re looking for someone who can help us build strong leaders, healthy teams, and operational consistency while preserving the humanity and warmth that define our brand. #J-18808-Ljbffr