Vice President of Legal, Human Resources and Risk Management

Who We Are :

The Islands’ brand was founded on the premise that guests shouldn’t have to travel to distant places to experience the flavors and vibes of a beach getaway.

The company first opened its doors to guests in Southern California in 1982 and has since grown to 39 restaurants across California and Arizona.

About the Job :

Islands is seeking an experienced Vice President of Legal, Human Resources and Risk Management to join our team. The ideal candidate for this role is an energetic, confident leader who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of legal, human resources and risk management for our 39 locations and corporate office.

You will collaborate with our Executive and Operations leadership teams to develop and execute people strategies that foster a positive work culture, legislative compliance, and support the organization's growth and success.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains legal, risk and HR management-level staff.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the legal, risk and HR departments.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Duties / Responsibilities :

• Champions the culture in all meetings, materials, communication, and practices.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to define the organization’s long-term mission and goals; identifies ways to support this mission through talent management and administration.
• Identifies key performance indicators for the organization’s legal, risk, human resource and talent management functions;

assesses the organization’s success and market competitiveness based on these metrics.

• Researches, develops, and implements competitive compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, and employee incentive programs.
• Oversees payroll performance, enterprise legal, risk and human capital management systems, and all related tax obligations.
• Regularly evaluates human resources technology and its possible application for the company.
• Provides guidance and leadership to the department teams; assists with resolution of human resources, payroll, compensation, and benefits questions, concerns, and issues.
• Manages enterprise risk through the purchase of insurance products, development of safety practices, and coordination of internal programs.
• Serves as the top legal manager with responsibility for all litigation, attorney relationships, contracts, governance, and legal communication.
• Ensures compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, human resources, and talent management.
• Drafts and implements the organization’s budget for the legal, risk and human resources department.
• Negotiates all HR, insurance, and legal-related contracts.
• Participates in professional development and networking conferences and events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s or law degree preferred.
• At least ten years of legal / human resource management experience required, with strategic, talent management, and risk management experience.
• California restaurant or hospitality experience preferred.
• California wage and hour litigation experience.
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred.

Benefits :

• Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time off / sick time
• 401(k) plan with a company match.
• 529 plan

Salary Range : $170,000 - $190,000 per year