Director of Human Resources - Restaurants

Leap Brands•Nashville, TN

About The Position

We are seeking a high-energy, strategic Director of Human Resources to lead our people operations as we expand across state lines. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building the infrastructure that supports our most valuable asset: our team. You will oversee all aspects of HR, from multi-state legal compliance and talent acquisition to cultural development and benefits administration. The ideal candidate understands that the hospitality industry is won or lost on the "people" side and can balance administrative rigor with a genuine passion for team member experience.

Requirements

7+ years of HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
Proven track record of managing HR functions across multiple states (familiarity with diverse labor laws is a must).
Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.
Proficiency with HRIS, ATS, and payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Toast, or Workday).

Nice To Haves

SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification is highly preferred.
A Problem Solver: You don’t just spot issues; you build the systems to fix them.
Empathetic but Firm: You can navigate difficult conversations with grace and maintain professional boundaries.
Process-Oriented: You love a good checklist and a clear workflow.
Hospitality-Minded: You understand that "HR" in a restaurant is about supporting the people who serve our guests.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an HR strategy that supports multi-state growth and scaling.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team on organizational design and workforce planning.
Champion our company culture, ensuring our core values are felt in every location, regardless of geography.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws across all operating states (e.g., California, Texas, New York, etc.).
Manage employee relations, conducting investigations when necessary and mitigating legal risks.
Maintain and update Employee Handbooks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various jurisdictions.
Create a robust recruitment "engine" to source top-tier hospitality talent from hourly staff to General Managers.
Develop onboarding programs that decrease turnover and increase "Day 1" engagement.
Implement performance management systems and career pathing to foster internal promotions.
Oversee payroll processing and tax compliance across multiple states.
Evaluate and manage competitive benefits packages (Health, 401k, etc.) to attract and retain talent in a tight labor market.
Conduct market salary analysis to ensure competitive pay scales in diverse economic regions.