Human Resources Generalist
Job Description
Summary of Position: The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for the day-to-day execution of HR practices across La Vida Hospitality's businesses. Reporting to the Head of Unit Support, the HR Generalist collaborates across many HR and employee lifecycle functions while serving as the primary day-to-day resource and subject matter lead for employee relations, workplace investigations, compliance, policy interpretation, and employment practices. This person is a hands-on HR resource for managers & employees, working closely with the broader Support Team -including HR, Team Development, Finance, and other support functions- as well as other leaders across the organization. This highly visible role requires someone who is equally comfortable building relationships and navigating difficult situations - someone who can be a trusted, approachable resource for our teams while addressing issues as they arise, following matters through resolution, and helping leaders consistently execute our people practices. As La Vida Hospitality supports approximately 1,000 employees across multiple locations and states, regular travel between company locations and an active presence with our teams are important parts of the role. Above all, the HR Generalist will champion La Vida Hospitality's culture, core values, and How We Roll philosophy and, of course, Must Enjoy the Ride!
Duties & Responsibilities:
Employee Relations & Manager Support
- Serve as the primary day-to-day HR resource for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns, policies, performance, conduct, attendance, and other employee relations matters.
- Receive, assess, document, and respond to employee complaints and conduct timely, objective workplace investigations as needed.
- Guide managers through difficult conversations, performance concerns, disciplinary action, policy violations, and corrective-action documentation.
- Follow employee relations and performance matters through resolution and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up are completed.
- Partner with leadership on complex, sensitive, or high-risk matters and proposed terminations.
- Provide ongoing HR coaching and guidance to managers and identify opportunities for continued manager development.
Compliance & Policy
- Serve as a primary internal resource for HR compliance and maintain working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws across the company's operating locations.
- Help ensure HR policies, procedures, documentation, and employment practices are consistently implemented across the organization.
- Conduct routine audits of employee files, I-9s, HRIS records, required postings, certifications, and other compliance-related records.
- Support compliance related to wage and hour requirements, leave and accommodations, employment eligibility, discrimination and harassment, recordkeeping, and other workplace regulations.
- Support workers' compensation and leave administration as needed and escalate significant legal, compliance, safety, or employee relations concerns appropriately.
- Identify compliance gaps or areas of risk and partner with leadership and the Support Team to develop and implement appropriate solutions.
Employee Lifecycle, Benefits & HRIS
- Support the employee lifecycle from onboarding through separation, including employment records, status changes, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, and offboarding.
- Support day-to-day benefits administration, open enrollment, PTO and leave questions, and employee benefit needs.
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee information and records within the HRIS and applicable systems.
- Generate HR reports and track employee relations, compliance, training, performance, and other HR activity as needed.
Multi-Location HR & Team Partnership
- Maintain a visible, approachable, and trusted HR presence across La Vida Hospitality locations, building strong relationships with Unit Leaders, managers, and employees.
- Work collaboratively across the La Vida Support Team and with Unit Leaders to provide consistent and coordinated people support throughout the organization.
- Build meaningful connections with employees by maintaining an active presence at company locations, team events, trainings, appreciation initiatives, and other employee-focused activities, helping foster trust, approachability, and connection between employees and the Support Team.
- Provide on-site support for employee relations, investigations, compliance, training, onboarding, terminations, and other HR needs.
- Partner on employee engagement, culture, recognition, and team development initiatives as needed.
- Identify recurring HR, employee relations, or compliance trends and provide observations and recommendations to leadership.
- Travel regularly between company locations in Delaware, South Carolina, and other states as needed.
- Maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality and serve as a brand ambassador for La Vida Hospitality's culture, core values, and How We Roll.
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably within hospitality, restaurants, food and beverage, retail, or another multi-location service environment.
- Hands-on experience with employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, disciplinary action, and policy interpretation.
- Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements; multi-state HR experience preferred.
- Experience supporting multiple locations or business units strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
- SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.
- Experience with HRIS, payroll, benefits, and employee recordkeeping systems.
- Excellent communication, judgment, organization, documentation, and follow-through skills.
- Ability to navigate difficult conversations, maintain confidentiality, hold managers accountable, and build collaborative working relationships.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, collaborate across departments, and recognize when matters require escalation.
- A hospitality soul with a genuine desire to support employees, build relationships, and help managers lead effectively.
- Ability and willingness to travel regularly and maintain schedule flexibility to support a multi-location hospitality organization.
This position pays $75,000–$85,000/year based on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package and great La Vida perks. We believe work should support a great life outside of it, too, which is why our benefits go beyond the basics and reflect what we do best — Enjoying the Ride & Celebrating our Tribe!
- Paid time off & vacation
- Health insurance & wellness resources
- Professional development, leadership training, coaching & mentorship
- Growth opportunities across a growing, multi-brand hospitality company
- Food, beverage & retail discounts across La Vida brands
- Team events, outings & experiences — including trips like our recent ski getaway to the Poconos
- Employee appreciation events & seasonal parties, travel opportunities, team outings & experiences
- Local lifestyle perks, including paddleboarding, gym, & kayaking discounts
- ...and plenty more!
