[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.

• 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), and 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.

Requirements

• 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.