Employee Relations Supervisor

Job Overview 

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is seeking an Employee Relations Supervisor to build and lead a team of Employee Relations Specialists dedicated to supporting Restaurant Operations across California, Arizona, and Texas. This position oversees the development and administration of the employee relations program and ensures the team builds partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees consistent with the organization’s policies. As a dedicated partner to Restaurant Operations, this leadership role focuses on structuring regional support, guiding workplace dispute resolutions, overseeing objective field investigations, and ensuring proper documentation and consistent application of all performance actions.  

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Builds, hires, trains, and oversees a team of Employee Relations Specialists to support Restaurant Operations in California, Arizona, and Texas. 
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive. 
• Oversees the daily workflow, schedules, and case assignments of the employee relations team. 

Responsibilities 

The responsibilities listed here are not all-inclusive; they indicate the types of activities this position usually performs. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate core competencies in the following areas: 

• Strategically builds and structures an Employee Relations Specialist team to effectively support operations in California, Arizona, and Texas. 
• Manages and resolves escalated and highly complex employee relations issues. 
• Conducts, oversees, and guides effective, thorough, and objective investigations, with a specific focus on Restaurant employee investigations.   
• Acts as a strategic partner to Restaurant Operations to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.   
• Develops and leads training and coaching initiatives specifically designed for the Restaurant Operations Team.   
• Advises and trains managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances.   
• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).   
• Travels on an as-needed basis to support regional locations throughout California, Arizona, and Texas to ensure consistent employee relations support, team development, and compliance.   
• Assists with the onboarding and ongoing development of new HR team members.   
• Completes other job duties as assigned. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent management, team-building, and leadership skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.   
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   
• Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred 
• Excellent interpersonal, counseling, and negotiation skills.   
• Ability to understand and apply compliance programs and measures for each region.   
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.   
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 

Education, Certifications, and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in human resource management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.  
• 5 to 7 Years of dedicated employee relations experience, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, team-building, or supervisory capacity.  
• Proven, direct experience managing Restaurant employee investigations. 
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including federal and state employment laws.   
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)/PHR credential required; SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)/SPHR preferred. 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.   
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

Additional Information  

Ono Hawaiian BBQ is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Ono Hawaiian BBQ makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Founded in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a fast-casual restaurant known for our authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and other island specialties. Ono Hawaiian uses the freshest ingredients, prepared from scratch daily in each restaurant and grilled fresh to order. With 120 locations in California and Arizona, we aim to combine the culture and “aloha” spirit of Hawaii into our restaurants to bring a taste of the islands with exceptional service in an inviting atmosphere.