What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Director (Head of HR) position at Merit HR (Merit Resource Group)?
Our client is a highly regarded, multi-concept hospitality group known for exceptional standards—both in the guest experience and behind the scenes. They are seeking an HR leader who brings both operational rigor and a visible, credible presence across the organization.
This is not a back-office role. You will be on the floor, in the kitchens, and alongside leadership—trusted, accessible, and steady. Someone employees seek out, and executives rely on.
What you’ll own:
- Lead all core HR functions: employee relations, compliance, performance management, talent acquisition and policy
- Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and senior leadership
- Provide clear, consistent guidance to managers on employee issues, risk mitigation, and decision-making
- Build strong relationships across a diverse workforce, from hourly teams to executive leadership
- Ensure policies, practices, and execution reflect both compliance standards and the brand’s level of excellence
- Coach managers to lead effectively, handle issues directly, and uphold expectations
What matters here:
- Leadership presence. You are credible, composed, and respected at every level.
- Approachability. People come to you early, not when it’s too late.
- Judgment. You know how to navigate nuance, protect the business, drive engagement and move things forward.
- Operational mindset. You don’t just advise—you ensure it gets done.
- Mentor mentality. Supervise and develop other members of the HR team.
- Alignment with a high-touch, high-standard hospitality environment.
Ideal Background:
- 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience
- Experience supporting large hourly workforce
- Hospitality, hotel, restaurant, or food manufacturing experience
- Strong California employment law and employee relations expertise, including deep understanding of wage and hour
- Experience mentoring HR team members and developing internal talent
- Strong systems experience, including conversions
- Fine dining experience is not required, but comfort with high-performance operational cultures is essential
Salary : $150,000 - $180,000