Sr. HR Manager- Field

Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame. If you’re looking for a fast paced, innovative and welcoming workplace then a career with our Corporate Familia is right for you.

Scroll down to find the complete details of the job offer, including experience required and associated duties and tasks.

What’s in it for you!

• Hybrid work schedule (2 days a week in the office or fewer depending on the position)
• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Dog friendly office
• Amazing office culture
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more.

POSITION PURPOSE :

The Sr. Manager, Field Employee Relations, is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing field employee relations programs and policies.

This role provides value-add people / organizational / HR consulting and subject matter expertise and focuses on promoting a positive and collaborative workplace culture while addressing and resolving issues that may arise between field employees and the organization.

The Sr. Manager, Field Employee Relations works closely with Field Operations and People Services teams, restaurant management teams, team members, and other stakeholders to ensure fair and consistent application of federal / state / local regulations, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Conduct thorough investigations into employee complaints and concerns. Solve routine and complex employee relations challenges in the field.

Address and resolve employee conflicts and disputes in a fair and timely manner.

Participate in talent assessments and discussions like the Quarterly Business Review (QBRs). Assist Operations with talent management and leadership development initiatives, performance management, listening sessions, and core HR processes (i.

e., hiring, transfers and terminations).

• In collaboration with the Director, People Services, develop and implement employee relations policies and procedures. Ensure company compliance in accordance with federal / state / local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance to employees on company policies and procedures. Facilitate effective communication between employees and management.
• Analyze situations and effectively make timely recommendations to alleviate risk and positively impact the business and employees.
• Assist in performance management processes, including performance reviews and disciplinary actions. Advise and train managers on performance-related issues.
• Gather, review, and analyze data to identify trends and recommend solutions to improve performance, retention, and the employee experience.

Monitor employee engagement levels and track key employee trends in the field. Proactively communicate and present findings to People Services leadership aligning to organizational and departmental key performance metrics.

Conduct restaurant audits with a balanced approach of conducting an equal number in the first and second half of the year, ensuring thorough feedback to General Manager, Area Leaders, and Regional Directors of Operations.

Derive key themes and findings from audit process and develop appropriate action plans with Field Operations.

Participate in unemployment hearings, depositions, wage claims, DOL audits, etc. and assist Legal in facilitating and / or investigating lawsuits and agency charges (e.

g., DFEH, EEOC, DOL). May be asked to act as Person Most Knowledgeable in depositions as needed.

• Collaborate with HR and management to develop and implement employee engagement initiatives. Identify trends and opportunities to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
• Serve as an ambassador of the broader People Services team, building rapport and trusted relationships with all levels of employees across the organization.
• Conduct exit interviews, analyze and identify trends which impact retention and offer solutions that will lead to improved field employee satisfaction and lower turnover.
• Collaborate with People Development and Training functions to develop, coordinate, and conduct field training sessions as needed.
• Partner with internal partners as needed (e.g. Leave of Absence Administrator and / or HR Systems) to assist and address varying employment-related needs / concerns.
• Coach or mentor new or less experienced People Services team members, providing ongoing guidance and support while contributing to the department’s continuous improvement and growth.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with support center and field employees.
• Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE / CERTIFICATIONS :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required. Bilingual Spanish is required.

Education / Work Experience :

BA / BS degree required, preferably in Human Resources Management. Minimum of 7+ years Human Resource Generalist experience in a multi-state, multi-site role required, preferably in the restaurant / retail / hotel industry.

Must possess a track record exhibiting growth within the HR discipline, including employee relations, performance management, and administration.

License / Certifications :

Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

PHR / SPHR, SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP, or relevant certifications, desired

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• In-depth understanding of employee relations, organizational culture, employee engagement, and HR best practices.
• Extensive knowledge of state / federal / local employment regulations and compliance.
• Track record exhibiting growth within the People Services discipline, including employee relations, performance management and administration.
• Solid experience in leading, managing, coaching, and developing others.
• Ability to partner with and influence management and all levels of employees.
• Flexible work style and approach based on operational needs / style and HR partnership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Solid knowledge of FMLA / CFRA and ADA matters throughout all areas, including engagement in the interactive process and reasonable accommodations.
• Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives. Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions.
• Must be discreet and have the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners. Must present evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, coaching, team building and leadership.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.
• High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools.
• Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.
• Ability to work extended work schedules, including weekends and evenings as needed.
• Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations, as needed by car or airplane.
• This is a field position, required to work at least two days per week in the field, and one day per week out of the Support Center in Costa Mesa, CA.

Company & Culture

For over 40 years El Pollo Loco has dominated the market in delivering the best citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken. We opened our first restaurant in 1980 in Los Angeles, and today we are over 450 restaurants strong and still growing! From our products to our people, we’re truly amazing!

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria.

Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.

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