Senior Director, People Business Partners

Job Description

Job Description

Company Profile:
At we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something  big , together. 

We foster a culture built on five core values: 

·       Generosity First, : We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in of others.

·       Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.

·       Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.

·       Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.

·       Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.

Sr. Director People + Culture

The Senior Director, People & Culture is a senior enterprise leader responsible for advancing CAVA’s people strategy, leadership capability, and culture across the Support Center and CAVA Foods. This role partners closely with the Executive Leadership Team to strengthen organizational effectiveness, elevate talent practices, and deliver a consistent, high-impact team member experience.  This position leads critical pillars including talent management, leadership development, onboarding, culture and DEI strategy, ESG people initiatives, and Support Center experience.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Scope & Leadership

• Leads a team of 4 direct reports:
• Strategic partner to Executive Leadership Team members
• Serves as a visible executive presence who elevates the impact and influence of the People & Culture function

What You’ll Do:

Executive Partnership & People Strategy

• Advise the Executive Leadership Team on organizational design, workforce planning, leadership effectiveness, and change management
• Support operating committee and senior leadership talent discussions
• Build structure and process to strengthen how HR partners with and supports executive leadership

Talent Management & Leadership Development

• Own enterprise talent assessment strategy for Senior Leadership Team, SVP, and VP populations
• Design and scale leadership frameworks
• Build career pathing models and organizational design frameworks
• Create and implement Job Success Profiles for all roles and embed them into hiring, development, and performance practices
• Lead enterprise rollout of Job Success Profiles and leadership tools

Onboarding & Employee Experience

• Own onboarding strategy for Support Center and CAVA Foods
• Partner on the evolution of the “CAVA Way” onboarding experience
• Ensure onboarding programs are scalable, consistent, and culture-driven

Culture, DEI & Human Connection Strategy

• Lead DEI strategy under CAVA’s Human Connection framework, including AIM (Allies in Motion)
• Operationalize values through leadership behaviors, programs, and recognition
• Partner cross-functionally to embed belonging and inclusion into daily employee experience

ESG & Impact Planning

• Own People & Culture contributions to CAVA’s ESG Impact Plan
• Build and track initiatives aligned to the company pillars of Heart, Health, and Humanity
• Drive programs focused on human connection and talent development

Support Center & Workplace Strategy

• Own office management and workplace experience for Washington, DC headquarters
• Lead planning for office expansion and new conference and meeting space
• Partner with Facilities and Operations to bring the physical workplace vision to life

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing People & Culture leadership team
• Establish scalable operating rhythms, reporting, and governance

The Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive HR or People leadership experience
• Proven success leading enterprise people initiatives in high-growth, multi-site organizations
• Experience partnering directly with executive leadership teams
• Strong background in talent management, leadership development, organizational design, and onboarding strategy
• Executive presence with the ability to influence at the highest levels
• Data-driven, systems-oriented, and operationally strong
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or HR certification preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
• For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
• Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner  

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• Free CAVA food
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand

• All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
• The posting range is an all cash range.

*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”
As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.

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