Human Resources Director

Gecko Hospitality; Arizona; On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gecko Hospitality in Scottsdale, AZ is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to join the leadership team in a fully in-office role. You will report directly to the CEO and shape culture, drive compliance, and build the human infrastructure needed for growth.

The role requires 5+ years of HR leadership within hospitality, expertise in employment law, and a strong track record implementing onboarding, training, and retention programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field; PHR or SPHR certification preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within hospitality or multi-unit environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in employment law, labor compliance, and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong working knowledge of HRIS platforms and HR reporting tools.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for leadership and hourly staff.
• Experience designing onboarding, training, and retention programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all HR functions across the organization, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, and compliance.
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, aligning HR initiatives with growth plans.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks reflecting current employment law and values.
• Oversee employee relations, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations with fairness and legal compliance.
• Champion a positive workplace culture that reinforces core values and supports engagement and retention.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for management and leadership roles in partnership with department heads.
• Analyze turnover data, identify trends, and implement proactive strategies to reduce attrition.
• Oversee benefits administration and serve as primary contact for vendors and open enrollment.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws including wage/hour and leave management.
• Lead HR reporting to senior leadership and drive learning and development initiatives.

Skills

HR leadership

Employment law

HRIS systems

Communication

Employee relations

Compliance

Onboarding programs

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / related field

Tools

HRIS platforms

Job description

Job Description

Human Resources Director | Relocate to Scottsdale, AZ

Job Type: Permanent | In-Office Position
Concept Type: Full-Service Restaurant & Hospitality Group
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Salary: $125,000 – $130,000 per year + Company Bonus Program

There are hospitality companies that talk about culture, and then there are those that actually live it. This organization is the latter. Built on a foundation of genuine hospitality, high energy, and a deep commitment to the people who power their operations, this growing restaurant group has cultivated a workplace where leadership is developed, voices are heard, and the work actually means something. Their team isn't just clocking in — they're invested. They show up, they collaborate, and they take pride in what they do. If you want to understand what drives their culture, see for yourself the energy, passion, and guest-first mentality that defines everything they do.

This is the kind of environment where an experienced Human Resources Director can do their best work.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and people-centered Human Resources Director to join the leadership team in Scottsdale, AZ. This position reports directly to the CEO. This is a fully in-office position designed for an HR leader who understands the pace of the restaurant and hospitality industry and knows how to build people programs that actually hold up under pressure. As Human Resources Director, you will serve as both a trusted advisor and an operational partner — shaping culture, driving compliance, and developing the human infrastructure that allows this organization to grow.

Candidates that have led over 1000 employees with multiple locations will be strongly considered.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; PHR or SPHR certification preferred
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within the restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit food and beverage environment
• Demonstrated expertise in employment law, labor compliance, and HR best practices
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations issues with discretion, fairness, and professionalism
• Strong working knowledge of HRIS platforms and HR reporting tools
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills — comfortable presenting to leadership and connecting with hourly team members alike
• Experience designing and implementing onboarding, training, and retention programs
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead through ambiguity and build trust across all levels of an organization
• A collaborative mindset paired with the confidence to make independent decisions when the situation calls for it

Job Responsibilities

As the Human Resources Director based in Scottsdale, AZ, you will:

• Lead and execute all HR functions across the organization, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, and compliance
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, aligning HR initiatives with broader business objectives and growth plans
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks that reflect current employment law and organizational values
• Oversee employee relations, including investigations, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and terminations — ensuring consistency, fairness, and legal compliance throughout
• Champion a positive workplace culture that reinforces the organization's core values and supports team member engagement and retention
• Manage the full-cycle recruiting process for management and leadership roles, working in partnership with department heads to identify and secure strong operational talent
• Analyze turnover data, identify trends, and implement proactive strategies to reduce attrition and strengthen team stability
• Oversee benefits administration and serve as the primary point of contact for benefit plan vendors and open enrollment processes
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leave management, and workers' compensation
• Lead HR reporting efforts and present people metrics to senior leadership on a regular basis
• Drive learning and development initiatives that