Employee Relations Architect – Hospitality

Willow Tree Recruiting; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

LT/ST disability and life insurance

Vacation (2wks/yr) and sick pay (40hrs

Paid Company Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

On-site gym with personal trainer

Pet friendly office

Job summary

Willow Tree Recruiting is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist for a growing, multi-brand restaurant group based in Orange County, CA. The role focuses on managing employee relations from intake to resolution, conducting workplace investigations, and ensuring compliance with policies and laws; the position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Key responsibilities include handling sensitive matters, maintaining confidential case files, analyzing trends, and partnering with

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive experience in employee relations, investigations, or HR.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee relations matters.
• Working knowledge of federal and California employment laws and regulations.
• Strong investigative, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with sound judgment and the ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% as business needs require

Responsibilities

• Manage employee relations matters from initial intake through resolution
• Conduct workplace investigations, including interviews, fact-finding, documentation, analysis, and case summaries
• Handle sensitive matters involving conduct, performance, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations
• Ensure investigations are objective, consistent, and compliant with policies and employment laws
• Maintain accurate, confidential case files and recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary action
• Partner with field leaders and managers to address employee relations concerns, apply policies consistently, and provide guidance on documentation and escalation procedures
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leadership while maintaining professionalism, neutrality, and confidentiality
• Analyze case trends, prepare reports and dashboards, and identify opportunities to mitigate organizational risk

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

HR

Spanish language

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Willow Tree Recruiting is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist for a growing, multi-brand restaurant group based in Orange County, CA. The role focuses on managing employee relations from intake to resolution, conducting workplace investigations, and ensuring compliance with policies and laws; the position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Key responsibilities include handling sensitive matters, maintaining confidential case files, analyzing trends, and partnering with