HR Director (Head of HR)

Our client is a highly regarded, multi-concept hospitality group known for exceptional standards—both in the guest experience and behind the scenes. They are seeking an HR leader who brings both operational rigor and a visible, credible presence across the organization.This is not a back-office role. You will be on the floor, in the kitchens, and alongside leadership—trusted, accessible, and steady. Someone employees seek out, and executives rely on.What you’ll own:Lead all core HR functions: employee relations, compliance, performance management, talent acquisition and policyServe as a trusted advisor to ownership and senior leadershipProvide clear, consistent guidance to managers on employee issues, risk mitigation, and decision-makingBuild strong relationships across a diverse workforce, from hourly teams to executive leadershipEnsure policies, practices, and execution reflect both compliance standards and the brand’s level of excellenceCoach managers to lead effectively, handle issues directly, and uphold expectationsWhat matters here:Leadership presence. You are credible, composed, and respected at every level.Approachability. People come to you early, not when it’s too late.Judgment. You know how to navigate nuance, protect the business, drive engagement and move things forward.Operational mindset. You don’t just advise—you ensure it gets done.Mentor mentality. Supervise and develop other members of the HR team.Alignment with a high-touch, high-standard hospitality environment.Ideal Background:10+ years of progressive HR leadership experienceExperience supporting large hourly workforceHospitality, hotel, restaurant, or food manufacturing experienceStrong California employment law and employee relations expertise, including deep understanding of wage and hourExperience mentoring HR team members and developing internal talentStrong systems experience, including conversionsFine dining experience is not required, but comfort with high-performance operational cultures is essential