Hospitality HR Partner: Strategy & Labor Relations

Onni Group of Companies; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) at Onni in Chicago partners with General Managers, Executive Chefs and department leaders to manage the full employee lifecycle in a fast‑paced hospitality environment.

You will lead talent acquisition, onboarding, engagement and retention while ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, union agreements and labor relations across our hotel, restaurant and F&B operations. Strong data‑driven approach and people‑first leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in HR or labor relations in hospitality.
• Bachelors degree in HR or related field.
• Experience with hourly, tipped, and unionized workforces.
• SHRM certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build a foundation of trust with General Managers, Executive Chefs, Food & Beverage Directors and other operational leaders, providing insight and solutions aligned with guest experience, service standards and business objectives.
• Own the full employee lifecycle in a high‑volume, high‑turnover hiring environment, from sourcing and onboarding to engagement, retention and offboarding, including seasonal ramp‑ups, banquet and event staffing, new outlet openings and pre‑opening hiring.
• Support and sustain a culture of hospitality, accountability, performance and trust across front‑of‑house, back‑of‑house and support departments.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee concerns, performance issues and workplace conflicts, including guest‑related complaints, guest or coworker harassment, and conflicts arising from shift‑based and high‑pressure service environments.
• Lead inquiries with objectivity and a people‑first approach; ensure timely and well‑documented resolution of issues.
• Partner with operations on labor cost management, including scheduling practices, overtime, meal and rest break compliance, tip pooling and tip credit practices, service charge distribution and productivity metrics.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state and local laws and union regulations, including wage and hour, minimum wage and tipped wage requirements, minor labor rules, alcohol service (responsible beverage service) certifications and food handler card requirements.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with legal, compliance and internal audit requirements (e.g., EEO, FMLA, I-9, E-Verify, workerscompensation and OSHA logs, training and certification tracking).
• Assist with contract preparation, audit and documentation for union negotiations, collective bargaining agreement administration and HR policies, including grievance handling and seniority, bidding and scheduling provisions.
• Partner with Safety and Operations to promote workplace safety and injury prevention in kitchens, banquets, housekeeping and other high‑risk areas, and support return‑to‑work and accommodation processes.
• Input, monitor and analyze HR metrics and trends (such as turnover by department, time‑to‑fill, labor cost percentage, absenteeism and engagement) to identify risk, areas of improvement and opportunities for proactive intervention and support.
• Provide HR reporting and insights to guide leadership decision‑making at the property and regional level.

Skills

Leadership

HR policies

Employee relations

Communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelors degree in HR

Tools

HRIS

Job description

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) at Onni in Chicago partners with General Managers, Executive Chefs and department leaders to manage the full employee lifecycle in a fast‑paced hospitality environment.

You will lead talent acquisition, onboarding, engagement and retention while ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, union agreements and labor relations across our hotel, restaurant and F&B operations. Strong data‑driven approach and people‑first leadership are essential.