Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Location: East Aurora, NY
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

The Bar-Bill is a Buffalo-based restaurant group with approximately 300 employees operating a portfolio of well-known restaurants and hospitality concepts. We are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while creating an outstanding workplace for our team members. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced and people-focused Head of Human Resources to lead our HR function and help shape the next chapter of our organization.

The Opportunity

The Head of Human Resources will be a key member of the leadership team, responsible for developing and executing a people strategy that supports our business goals while strengthening our culture across multiple restaurant locations. This role requires a strategic leader who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to solve day-to-day operational challenges.

The ideal candidate has experience leading HR in a multi-unit hospitality, restaurant, retail, or service-based business and understands the unique challenges of recruiting, retaining, and developing hourly and salaried employees.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's people strategy in partnership with executive leadership.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on organizational planning, talent, culture, and workforce strategy.
• Build scalable HR programs that support continued growth across multiple restaurant concepts.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and service-oriented culture.

Talent Acquisition & Retention

• Lead recruiting strategies for both hourly restaurant teams and salaried management positions.
• Develop programs that improve employee retention and reduce turnover.
• Strengthen onboarding and orientation programs to ensure new hires are set up for success.
• Build leadership pipelines for restaurant managers and future leaders.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on employee performance, conflict resolution, investigations, and corrective action.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies across all locations.
• Promote employee engagement and recognition initiatives.
• Partner with operations leaders to create positive workplace environments.

Learning & Development

• Design and implement management training and leadership development programs.
• Support career growth opportunities for restaurant managers and support staff.
• Establish performance management processes that encourage accountability and development.

Compensation, Benefits & Compliance

• Oversee competitive compensation and benefits programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, New York State, and local employment laws.
• Manage workers' compensation, unemployment claims, leave administration, and employee records.
• Maintain and update HR policies, employee handbook, and compliance training.

HR Operations

• Lead HR systems, reporting, and people analytics.
• Develop meaningful workforce metrics including turnover, retention, recruiting effectiveness, and engagement.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and leverage technology.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10 years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership responsibilities.
• Experience supporting a workforce of 200 employees.
• Multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail, healthcare, or service industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of New York employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to influence leaders and drive organizational change.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• Experience leading HR through periods of growth and organizational change.
• Experience with HRIS systems and workforce analytics.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will:

• Build trusted relationships with restaurant operators and corporate leadership.
• Improve recruiting and reduce turnover across the organization.
• Standardize onboarding and performance management practices.
• Strengthen leadership development for restaurant managers.
• Enhance employee engagement while ensuring compliance across all locations.
• Build an HR function that is viewed as a true business partner.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to have a significant impact on one of Buffalo's growing restaurant groups. You'll work alongside an experienced leadership team that values its people and understands that exceptional hospitality starts with exceptional employees. Your leadership will directly influence the culture, growth, and long-term success of our restaurants.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, including:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Dining discounts across our restaurant concepts
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment

About You

You're an approachable, business-minded HR leader who thrives in fast-paced environments. You enjoy spending time in the restaurants, building relationships with managers and team members, solving problems proactively, and creating systems that allow people and the business to succeed. You understand that great hospitality begins with engaged employees, and you're passionate about helping teams perform at their best.

Bar-Bill is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000