Manager, HR Operations

The Manager, HR Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day HR operations and ensuring consistent execution of HR programs, policies, and procedures across retail store locations in California and Washington. This role manages a team of HR Advisors supporting store operations and serves as a key partner to store leadership by guiding HR Operations-related matters, including but onboarding & separation, limited to leaves of absence, workers' compensation, T&T Winning Culture, employee engagement, employee relations & investigations, HR processes, and compliance-related matters. This role ensures operational excellence in HR service delivery, supports the resolution of daily HR issues, and drives continuous improvement, consistency, and efficiency across all locations. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong ownership, operational discipline, and a proactive approach, capable of managing a distributed team in a fast‑paced retail environment. You Will HR Operations Management Oversee and manage day‑to‑day HR operations across retail stores in California and Washington. Ensure consistent execution of HR programs, policies, and procedures across all store locations. Serve as the escalation point for complex HR operational and employee relations issues. Partner with store and corporate leadership to support workforce needs and operational priorities. Driving T&T Winning Culture by implementing initiatives, fostering employee engagement, and managing employee relations to boost morale and retention. Responsible for developing and executing a learning and development plan for HR Advisors to build team capability in employee relations & investigations, workers’ compensation, leaves of absence, compliance, and HR operations. Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Advisors supporting retail store operations. Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to ensure high‑quality HR service delivery. Establish clear expectations, monitor performance, and drive accountability within the team. Ensure effective implementation and execution of HR programs, policies, and procedures across all locations. Partner with HR leadership to roll out new or updated HR initiatives and programs. Monitor program effectiveness and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Employee Relations & Issues Resolution Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations, and conflict resolutions. Ensure consistent and compliant handling of employee issues in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel on complex or high‑risk cases. HR Compliance & Operational Support Support compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour, leave of absence laws, workers’ compensation, and workplace requirements. Ensure proper documentation and record‑keeping practices are maintained across all locations. Support HR audits and compliance reviews. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence Identify operational inefficiencies and drive improvements in HR processes and workflows. Promote standardization and consistency in HR practices across stores and corporate functions. Leverage HR systems and tools to improve service delivery and reporting. Other Duties Support additional HR and business initiatives as assigned, including but not limited to job fairs, training, and cross‑functional HR activities, to meet organizational needs. You Should Have / Be Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Minimum of 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience at the exempt level in California, including 3-5 years in an HR Manager (or equivalent leadership) role, with demonstrated solid hands‑on experience managing a team of 10+ HR professionals across multiple locations in chain retail stores/supermarkets/restaurants, manufacturing, warehouses, or other high‑volume, hourly workforce environments. Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, California State, and local employment regulations, including wage and hour, employee classification, leave of absence laws, and workplace compliance, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical HR policies and procedures; Washington State employment law knowledge and experience is a plus. Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills with proven ability to manage day‑to‑day HR operations in a multi‑site environment. Demonstrated successful experience in employee engagement in driving a non‑union workforce, with the ability to independently manage employee relations and maintain a positive work environment without union representation. Effective leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities along with strong organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Proactive, self‑motivated self‑starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, capable of driving results, resolving issues effectively, and ensuring consistent follow‑through across all HR operations. Strong communication (verbal and written) and stakeholder management skills. Ability and willingness to travel regularly to retail store locations in California and Washington, including occasional overnight travel. Willingness and ability to work overtime and weekends as needed based on business needs. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS PHR‑CA certification is highly preferred. Bilingual in English and Chinese or Spanish is preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Work is performed in a retail supermarket environment, including office areas, sales floor, and back‑of‑house spaces such as receiving, warehouse, kitchen, and refrigerated areas Requires frequent walking and standing throughout the store to support operations, conduct employee check‑ins, and respond to workplace issues Requires regular presence on the retail floor and back‑of‑house areas to interact with employees and observe operations for safety and compliance Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods to complete tasks, documentation, and reporting May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 lbs. (e.g., files, supplies, training materials) Frequent interaction with employees in varying environmental conditions, including cold (refrigerated/freezer) and hot (kitchen/food production) areas Ability to respond promptly to workplace incidents, including traveling to different areas of the store where employee injuries or concerns may arise Requires visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively with employees and management and to conduct investigations May require local travel to other store locations or offices as needed This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as business needs change, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Company will provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law. Compensation and benefits are determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs, and are administered in compliance with applicable pay transparency and wage disclosure laws. Nothing in this job description alters the at‑will employment relationship, creates a contract of employment, or guarantees employment for any specific duration. Competitive Wages Discretionary Bonus Paid Holiday Life & AD&D Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan and employer matching Employee Assistance Program 10% Off In‑store Staff Purchase Discount Birthday Celebration Team Building Events *Conditions may apply to some of these perks. #J-18808-Ljbffr