Human Resources Manager

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

As the HR Manager, you will serve as a key business partner, driving employee relations, recruitment, training, and diversity initiatives. This role requires a strong focus on union environments and labor relations, along with the ability to coach leaders and support a multi-site operation. This role is in-person.

Key Responsibilities:

Labor Relations

• Serve as the primary HR liaison for union-represented employees, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across multiple accounts

• Support grievance processes by conducting thorough investigations in collaboration with unit management and maintaining strong HR documentation

• Partner with Operations leadership to resolve labor issues at the lowest appropriate level while minimizing organizational risk

• Support contract negotiations through preparation, data analysis, and participation as a key HR advisor

• Provide strategic guidance on labor trends, risk mitigation, and workforce planning

• May require some travel between New England account locations

Training & Development

• Conduct management training on key HR topics such as:

Performance management

• Terminations

• Sexual harassment

• Progressive discipline

• Deliver onboarding and new hire orientation programs

• Facilitate HR workshops and training sessions to enhance leadership capability

Recruitment & Talent Strategy

• Support frontline recruitment efforts and improve applicant flow

• Partner with managers to develop and execute recruitment plans

• Represent the organization at job fairs, universities, and community events

• Build strategic partnerships to strengthen employer branding

Workforce Insights & Retention

• Conduct exit interviews and analyze trends

• Develop recommendations to reduce turnover and absenteeism

• Support associate engagement and satisfaction initiatives

• Identify critical workforce needs and implement improvement plans

Operational Partnership

• Participate in operational meetings to increase HR visibility

• Support internal surveys and communicate actionable insights

• Conduct HR assessments and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Master’s preferred)

• 5 years of HR generalist and employee relations experience; experience managing multiple units is a strong plus

• Strong experience in labor relations and union environments

• Background in high customer-facing, service-driven industries (preferred)

• Abiltiy to interpret legal and financial documents

• Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

• PHR/SPHR certification is a plus