People Operations Partner

People Operations Partner role is a hybrid position balancing approximately half talent acquisition with half HR generalist responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Own full-cycle recruiting for hourly, supervisory, and management roles across multiple locations.
• Visit units to run on-site hiring events, conduct interviews, and support community recruiting outreach.
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for high-turnover roles and new-store openings.
• Partner with Unit Managers to understand staffing needs and align hiring decisions with company hiring standards.
• Create job postings, screen candidates, conduct interviews, and coordinate offers.
• Track recruiting performance metrics including time-to-fill, source effectiveness, and offer acceptance rate.
• Collaborate with local universities, community organizations, and job fairs to strengthen recruiting channels.
• Support store openings by coordinating hiring, orientation, and onboarding.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding tasks: background checks, I-9 verification, new-hire orientation, exit interviews, final pay timing, and separation documentation.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and employee files; manage and improve HR processes and systems.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee relations by intake, thorough documentation, investigation support, and guidance to managers on corrective action in partnership with HR leadership.
• Independently research, analyze, and resolve complex HR issues; provide clear guidance and direction to managers.
• Support administration of leaves of absence including CFRA/FMLA/PDL and coordinate workers’ compensation claims.
• Track HR compliance requirements: harassment prevention training, workplace violence prevention plan, required postings, and food handler/RBS certifications.
• Assist with HR policy development and implementation; gather and analyze HR metrics and prepare personnel activity reports.
• Support the performance review cycle and employee development programs; coach managers on documentation and feedback.
• Assist with payroll preparation by providing relevant data; support benefits administration and partner with payroll/benefits teams on employee questions.
• Contribute ideas to strengthen employee engagement; help organize company events and team-building activities.
• Guide Unit Managers on HR processes, interview consistency, and employment law basics including wage & hour, meal/rest periods, and non-discrimination.
• Provide flexible support across the department with HR process execution and employment law fundamentals.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, including hands-on recruiting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of HR practices and California employment law: wage & hour, meal/rest periods, leaves, and anti-harassment requirements.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume hiring environments.
• Strong communication and service skills across frontline staff, managers, and senior leadership.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Sound judgment and discretion with confidential employee information.
• Excellent organization and multitasking abilities.
• People-first mindset and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States (completed Form I-9).
• Highly preferred: multi-state HR and employment law experience.
• Highly preferred: experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or multi-unit operations.
• Preferred: experience supporting new store openings or pre-opening activities.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Payroll systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• I-9

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Medical
• PSL
• Life Insurance
• 401k
• PTO and PSL

Language

• Japanese (Preferred)

Willingness to Travel

• 25% (Preferred)

Location: Cerritos, CA (hybrid). Work location: In person.

Compensation: USD 70,304 - 75,000 per yearly.

Minimum experience: 3 years.