Head of Human Resources

Greater's•Cincinnati, OH

13d•$140,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Graeter's Ice Cream is seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead HR efforts for both its retail and manufacturing businesses. This role requires unifying HR strategies across two distinct operations with different workforces, rhythms, and needs, while maintaining a single handbook, pay structure, and payroll. The Head of HR will report to a matrix of three executives: the Chief of Retail Operations, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Executive Officer. The position involves managing a small, high-performing team and focusing on steady improvement of existing systems rather than a complete overhaul. Key responsibilities include ensuring youth-employment compliance, wage-hour consistency, and acting as an internal investigator. The role is based in Cincinnati and requires a hands-on approach, spending time in shops and on the plant floor.

Requirements

Experience in both retail and manufacturing HR environments, or deep expertise in one with a strong desire to learn the other.
Credibility with diverse stakeholders, including district managers, plant supervisors, and executives.
Understanding of the difference between universal and specific HR policies.
Experience building and managing small, high-performing HR teams.
Proficiency in Paycom.
Ability to improve existing working systems rather than replace them.
Understanding of the implications of employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) on HR practices.
Experience managing youth-employment compliance.
Experience managing wage-hour compliance, including break, timekeeping, and overtime.
Experience conducting internal investigations.
Ability to work in person in Cincinnati, including time in shops and on the plant floor.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing shop-level turnover.
Experience managing workers' compensation without external consultants.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement unified HR strategies for both retail and manufacturing businesses.
Ensure compliance with youth-employment laws, including work permits, hour restrictions, and prohibited duties across 61 retail locations.
Maintain wage-hour consistency, including break, timekeeping, and overtime practices.
Oversee and conduct internal investigations for serious HR matters.
Manage weekly payroll for approximately 2,000 employees.
Provide responsive and useful HR support to manufacturing and corporate leadership.
Ensure a single handbook, pay structure, and standard of practice are maintained across both business units.
Build and lead a small, effective HR team.
Improve existing HR systems and processes.
Collaborate with retail operations and finance departments on HR matters.
Manage HR aspects related to a growing grocery and e-commerce business.