[Hiring] Human Resources Director @Kizuki Ramen

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced HR Director to lead and oversee the full spectrum of human resources functions across a multi-state, multi-unit restaurant operation. This is a remote role with travel and on-site support at restaurant locations as needed. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience, deep knowledge of California labor laws, and the ability to build scalable HR systems, ensure compliance, and support operational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end HR strategy and execution across all locations, aligning HR initiatives with business and operational goals.
• Ensure full compliance with federal and multi-state labor laws, with deep oversight of California labor regulations (wage & hour, meal/rest breaks, overtime, classification) including Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Hawaii.
• Serve as the primary advisor to leadership on employee relations, risk mitigation, and organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee and personally handle complex employee relations issues, including investigations, terminations, and conflict resolution.
• Build, standardize, and enforce HR policies, SOPs, and employee handbooks across all locations.
• Design and implement scalable HR infrastructure to support new store openings and business growth.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing strategy, and recruiting processes for multi-unit operations.
• Partner closely with Operations, GMs, and District Managers to improve retention, engagement, and performance.
• Ensure accurate employee classification (exempt vs. non-exempt) and compliance with wage laws, including minimum wage and overtime requirements.
• Lead performance management processes, including reviews, disciplinary actions, and leadership coaching.
• Oversee payroll and benefits administration to ensure accuracy and compliance across states.
• Implement and manage HRIS systems, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers on compliance, leadership, and HR best practices.
• Conduct regular audits of HR practices to identify gaps and ensure compliance readiness.

Qualifications

• Strong, hands-on expertise in California labor laws and compliance (required).
• Proven experience managing HR in a multi-state, multi-unit environment (restaurant or retail highly preferred).
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically (comfortable in execution-heavy environments).
• Deep knowledge of wage & hour laws (especially CA).
• Employee classification (exempt/non-exempt).
• Investigations and documentation best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-risk employee relations issues with sound judgment.
• Experience building HR systems, policies, and processes from the ground up.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills; ability to partner with senior leadership and field operations.
• High level of accountability, ownership, and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operations-driven environment.
• Experience with HRIS platforms (ADP, Paycom, Workday, or similar).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use HR data to drive decisions.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Willingness to travel and work on-site at restaurant locations when needed.

Preferred

• SHRM-SCP / SPHR certification.
• Experience building HR infrastructure in growing organizations.

Work Environment

• Remote (work from home).
• Travel required; on-site work at restaurants as needed.
• Fast-paced, operations-driven environment.