Human Resources Director

We are seeking a strategic, people-focused, and hands-on Director of Human Resources to lead the Human Resources function for a growing hospitality restaurant group based in Washington, DC. This executive leadership role oversees all aspects of human resources across multiple restaurant concepts and corporate support functions, ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and hospitality. This position requires experience supporting multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, or food and beverage operations . The Director of Human Resources will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and restaurant management, driving initiatives related to talent acquisition, employee relations, leadership development, compliance, compensation, benefits, performance management, and organizational culture. The ideal candidate has extensive multi-unit hospitality experience and a thorough understanding of employment laws in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute the organization's Human Resources strategy in support of business objectives and continued growth. Partner with executive leadership to build a high-performing, people-first culture across all restaurant locations. Provide strategic guidance to restaurant leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development. Lead and mentor the Human Resources team while promoting collaboration and continuous improvement. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Oversee full-cycle recruitment for corporate, management, culinary, and hourly restaurant positions. Develop innovative sourcing strategies to attract top hospitality talent. Strengthen onboarding and orientation programs that support employee engagement and long-term retention. Build succession planning and leadership development programs for future operational leaders. Employee Relations & Performance Management Serve as the primary resource for complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution. Coach leaders on performance management, documentation, progressive discipline, and employment best practices. Foster a respectful, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture. Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures across all locations. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all federal, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia employment laws and regulations. Oversee wage and hour compliance, leave administration, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and workplace safety initiatives. Maintain employee records, HRIS systems, and regulatory reporting. Support audits and ensure organizational readiness for regulatory reviews. Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations Oversee compensation strategies, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and annual performance review processes. Analyze compensation trends to maintain competitive and equitable pay practices. Manage HR budgets and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency. Partner with Finance to support labor planning and workforce analytics. Lead employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives across the organization. Develop leadership training programs focused on coaching, communication, accountability, and hospitality excellence. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives throughout the company. Champion a culture built on teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional guest service. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, including experience supporting multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, or food and beverage operations . Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices, particularly within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia markets. Demonstrated experience leading employee relations, investigations, compliance, recruitment, and leadership development initiatives. Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills. Experience with HRIS platforms, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office. Preferred Experience supporting upscale, fine dining, lifestyle, or luxury hospitality organizations. SHRM‑SCP, SHRM‑CP, SPHR, or PHR certification. Experience supporting rapid growth, acquisitions, or multi‑brand organizations. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a collaborative and influential Human Resources leader who understands the pace and complexity of restaurant operations. They are equally comfortable partnering with executive leadership on strategic initiatives and supporting managers with day-to-day employee matters. They bring strong business acumen, sound judgment, and a passion for developing exceptional teams while creating a workplace culture that attracts and retains top hospitality talent. Candidates with experience supporting multi-unit restaurant groups, luxury hospitality companies, hotel food and beverage operations, or chef-driven restaurant concepts are highly encouraged to apply. Benefits Performance-based annual bonus Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and company holidays Dining discounts across restaurant concepts Professional development and continuing education opportunities Career advancement within a growing hospitality organization #J-18808-Ljbffr