Remote People Operations & HR Manager (Restaurant Group)

looking for an experienced, proactive People Operations & HR Manager to support our growing quick-service restaurant business in California. This is a long-term remote position for someone who enjoys building organized systems, supporting managers, improving communication, and creating a positive employee experience from hiring through offboarding. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership of our HR and employee administration so our restaurant managers can stay focused on operations and delivering a great customer experience. About Our Company We operate two quick-service restaurant locations and are focused on building a professional organization with clear systems, strong leadership, and consistent employee support. Our goal is to create an environment where employees always know who to contact, managers have the tools they need to lead effectively, and HR processes are organized, compliant, and efficient. What You’ll Be Responsible For You will oversee and coordinate many of the day-to-day HR and people operations functions, including: ● Recruiting and maintaining job postings ● Reviewing applications and conducting initial phone screenings ● Scheduling interviews with management ● Preparing offer letters and onboarding new hires ● Managing employee records and documentation ● Administering Gusto onboarding and payroll support ● Answering employee questions regarding payroll, PTO, sick leave, and company policies ● Maintaining attendance records and supporting managers with documentation ● Preparing disciplinary documentation and performance improvement plans when needed ● Tracking required training and acknowledgments ● Assisting with workers’ compensation and unemployment claims ● Supporting employee offboarding and exit interviews ● Helping develop and improve HR policies, SOPs, and internal processes ● Acting as a trusted resource for both employees and managers What Success Looks Like The right person will help create an HR function that is organized, responsive, and dependable. Success means: ● Employees receive timely answers to HR-related questions. ● Managers have consistent support with hiring, documentation, and employee administration. ● New hires experience a smooth onboarding process. ● Employee files and records remain accurate and organized. ● HR processes become more efficient as the company continues to grow. ● Leadership has confidence that employee matters are being handled professionally and consistently. Ideal Qualifications ● 5+ years of Human Resources or People Operations experience ● Experience supporting restaurants, hospitality, retail, or other multi-location businesses ● Strong knowledge of California employment practices ● Experience with Gusto or comparable payroll/HR software ● Excellent communication and organizational skills ● Strong attention to detail ● Ability to prioritize multiple projects independently ● A process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement Hours ● Approximately 20–30 hours per week to start ● Flexible schedule with availability during normal California business hours ● Opportunity for a long-term working relationship as the company grows When You Apply Please include: 1. A summary of your HR and People Operations experience. 2. Your experience supporting restaurants, hospitality, or retail businesses. 3. Your experience with Gusto or similar HR/payroll platforms. 4. An example of an HR process or system you created or significantly improved. 5. Your availability and time zone. Please also answer this question: “If you joined our team, what would your priorities be during your first 90 days to strengthen our hiring, onboarding, employee communication, documentation, and overall HR processes?”