What are the responsibilities and job description for the JAG People Director, West Coast position at José Andrés Group?
Job Title: People Director – West Coast
Location: West Coast (CA, NV)
Reports To: Vice President, Human Resources (VP HR)
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced HR Director to oversee employee relations, compliance, and administrative needs for our restaurant group across the West Coast, including California and Nevada. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in labor laws, employee relations, and HR best practices, and will play a key role in fostering a positive and compliant workplace environment. Fluency in both English and Spanish is a must to effectively communicate with our diverse workforce.
Key Responsibilities:Employee Relations:
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues across all West Coast locations.
Address employee concerns, mediate disputes, and manage conflict resolution in a fair and equitable manner.
Develop and implement programs to promote a positive workplace culture, employee engagement, and retention.
Provide leadership and guidance to restaurant managers on addressing employee concerns and maintaining high standards of employee satisfaction.
Compliance & Labor Law:
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (specific to Nevada and California)
Oversee and ensure adherence to all employment-related regulations, including wage and hour laws, workplace safety regulations, and anti-discrimination laws.
Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures in accordance with labor laws and best practices.
Conduct regular audits to identify potential compliance risks and ensure corrective actions are taken when necessary.
Training & Development:
Ensure teams are completing mandatory trainings, including sexual harassment and LMS coursework
Provide guidance and support to managers and staff on proper HR processes, policies, and best practices to ensure consistency across all locations.
HR Operations:
Work with operations and HR teams to assist with recruitment and onboarding processes for the West Coast restaurants.
Manage employee records and maintain confidentiality and integrity in HR documentation.
Work closely with restaurant leadership teams to assess staffing needs and maintain efficient workforce planning across the region.
Crisis Management:
Manage and resolve any sensitive or critical HR issues, including complaints, investigations, or workplace accidents.
Serve as a liaison between restaurant management and VP HR when needed for escalated employee issues or compliance concerns.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
5-10 years of HR experience, preferably in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
In-depth knowledge of labor laws in California and Nevada, including wage and hour laws, worker’s compensation, and employee rights.
Skills & Abilities:
Fluency in both English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.
Strong understanding of HR policies, practices, and employee relations strategies.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex and sensitive employee situations with discretion.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
Prior restaurant or hospitality HR experience preferred
This is an in-person position, preferably based in the Las Vegas market, with ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with long hours as needed.
