What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Relations Specialist position at Kura Sushi, Inc.?
Kura Sushi USA is a publicly traded Japanese restaurant brand delivering a unique “eater-tainment” dining experience through premium food, innovative technology, and a people-first culture. Since 2008, we’ve grown rapidly across the U.S. — and we’re just getting started.
We are seeking a Bilingual Employee Relations Specialist to support our growing restaurant operations and corporate teams. This role partners closely with the Employee Relations Manager and HR leadership to manage employee concerns, support investigations, ensure compliance, and foster a positive and respectful workplace culture across our restaurants. This position is ideal for an HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment and has strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and follow-through.
Come join the Kura Krew!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Employee Relations & Investigations
- Serve as a first point of contact for employee relations issues at the restaurant level
- Respond promptly and consistently to employee concerns, questions, and complaints
- Assist with internal investigations, including scheduling and conducting interviews
- Collect, document, and analyze information to support investigation outcomes
- Identify policy violations and escalate issues appropriately
Case Management & Documentation
- Maintain accurate case documentation in Navex (EthicsPoint) and internal systems
- Prepare and manage corrective action documentation and personnel files
- Draft termination letters, assemble termination packets, and coordinate final wage details with Payroll
- Administer employment terminations in accordance with company policy and labor laws
Compliance & Policy Support
- Communicate company policies, procedures, and guidelines clearly to restaurant employees and managers
- Support HR compliance efforts, including audits of forms, postings, and documentation
- Ensure restaurant leadership receives timely HR communications and required postings
- Assist with labor relations initiatives and internal complaint processes
Training & Cross-Functional Support
- Support employee relations and HR training initiatives
- Partner with Operations on HR-related projects and escalations
- Provide general HR support to other HR functions as needed
Qualifications and Education/Experience
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required; (Japanese a plus)
- 2–4 years of experience in HR, employee relations, or administrative support
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Experience with HR systems such as ADP Workforce Now and Navex/EthicsPoint (or ability to learn quickly)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- High emotional intelligence and professionalism when handling sensitive situations
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field
- Experience supporting restaurant, retail, or multi-unit operations
- Familiarity with California labor laws and HR compliance
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid role based in Irvine, CA
- In-office attendance required on designated days
- Availability to work one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday)
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Range: $77,250 – $87,250 annually (DOE)
- Competitive benefits package
- Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- People-first culture with a collaborative HR team
- Direct impact on employee experience across a growing national brand
- Opportunity to develop deep employee relations expertise in a multi-unit environment
- Fast-paced, engaging, and mission-driven workplace
Salary : $77,250 - $87,250