What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Human Resources position at STARR Restaurants?
STARR Restaurants, the visionary hospitality group founded by Stephen Starr, is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Vice President of Human Resources to drive the evolution of its HR function across a growing portfolio of celebrated restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Florida, and beyond.
With a portfolio that includes acclaimed establishments like Le Coucou, Buddakan, and Pastis, STARR Restaurants is known for redefining dining experiences through bold concepts, exceptional culinary artistry, and immersive environments.
In this onsite role based out of our Philadelphia office, you won't just strategize, you'll build, implement, and lead. You’ll partner closely with the executive team and operations leaders to ensure compliance, modernize HR systems, and develop high-performing teams at every level. Your work will be instrumental in maintaining STARR’s reputation for excellence and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Compliance
With a portfolio that includes acclaimed establishments like Le Coucou, Buddakan, and Pastis, STARR Restaurants is known for redefining dining experiences through bold concepts, exceptional culinary artistry, and immersive environments.
In this onsite role based out of our Philadelphia office, you won't just strategize, you'll build, implement, and lead. You’ll partner closely with the executive team and operations leaders to ensure compliance, modernize HR systems, and develop high-performing teams at every level. Your work will be instrumental in maintaining STARR’s reputation for excellence and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Compliance
- Oversee and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
- Own and maintain all policies, procedures, handbooks, and documentation—making sure they’re current, consistent, and enforceable.
- Conduct regular audits of employee records, I-9s, and internal documentation practices; manage risk and legal exposure proactively.
- Serve as the primary contact for complex employee relations issues, investigations, and escalations.
- Evaluate and support training and development needs across all levels of the business.
- Work with operations and leadership to create clear career paths and internal mobility strategies.
- Identify and implement performance review and management tools that are practical and actionable in a restaurant environment.
- Identify workforce planning and recruiting strategies, particularly as the company grows into new markets or concepts
- Help remove roadblocks, align hiring goals with broader business needs, and ensure systems and processes are efficient, scalable, and compliant.
- Assess existing HR systems and processes for gaps, inefficiencies, and outdated practices.
- Recommend and prioritize improvements across areas such as onboarding, recordkeeping, terminations, and employee life cycle documentation.
- Partner with IT and vendors to evaluate current platforms (HRIS and Payroll) and support improved solutions.
- Oversee benefits administration and open enrollment processes in coordination with brokers and vendors.
- Ensure smooth coordination between HR, Payroll, and Finance—especially around employee data integrity, pay issues, and compliance.
- Lead administration of leaves of absence, accommodations, and employment verifications in line with company policy and legal requirements.
- Manage and develop an optimized HR function, holding a high standard for organization, responsiveness, and accuracy.
- Build resources, training, and documentation to support field managers and GMs with practical HR tools they can use.
- Act as a key business partner to senior leadership while also staying close to the details and daily execution.
- 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, with a strong foundation in compliance and operations; restaurant or hospitality experience a plus
- Proven ability to balance big-picture leadership with hands-on execution.
- Deep knowledge of employment laws, multi-state compliance, and HR best practices in high-volume environments.
- Comfortable leading a small team while personally owning critical initiatives.
- Strong communicator with a no-nonsense, get-it-done mindset.
- Bachelor’s degree required; HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) a plus.
- Ability to work in-person from our Philadelphia HQ
- Executive-level visibility and the ability to build and improve systems from the ground up.
- A growing company that values process, accountability, and people.
- Competitive salary, bonus potential, and benefits.
- A direct, fast-paced culture that rewards initiative and ownership.