Kizuki Ramen is seeking an HR leader to establish and scale the HR function from the ground up. This hybrid role in Houston will build core people processes, support restaurant operations through effective HR partnership, and ensure multi-state compliance with a focus on California labor law.
Role Overview
In this position, you will create a data-driven HR operating approach, manage HR KPIs, and provide practical guidance to managers and leadership teams. You will also oversee the full employee lifecycle from recruitment through onboarding and offboarding, with a strong emphasis on compliance across multiple states including California.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding
- Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state labor laws, with a required emphasis on California employment laws (including compliance considerations for Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Hawaii)
- Serve as the primary HR partner to restaurant operations and leadership teams
- Manage employee relations matters, including investigations and disciplinary actions
- Develop, maintain, and enforce HR policies and procedures
- Support staffing, workforce planning, and retention strategies
- Run the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, candidate sourcing, screening, interviews, and onboarding
- Coordinate payroll, support benefits administration, and oversee HRIS systems
- Conduct training and provide coaching to managers
- Travel to restaurant locations and work on-site when required
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field
- 4–6+ years of HR experience; multi-unit, restaurant, or retail experience is preferred
- Strong working knowledge of California employment laws
- Experience managing multi-state HR compliance
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment
- Willingness to travel and work from restaurant locations as needed
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Tools and Systems
- ADP
- UKG Ready
- Paycom
- Workday
Reporting Structure
This role reports to the Director & VP of Operations.
Location and Schedule
Houston/Katy, TX - Remote (will transition to in-office) | Full-Time | Exempt
Compensation
USD 75,000 - 80,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package (company covers 90% of the medical premium)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee meals and discounts
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development
Preferred Qualifications
- SHRM-CP / PHR certification
- Experience supporting restaurant or hospitality operations
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms such as ADP, UKG Ready, Paycom, and Workday