Human Resources Generalist

Newrest; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Newrest is seeking an experienced, hands-on HR Generalist to help launch inflight catering operations in San Diego near the airport. This role blends on-site operational presence with strategic HR leadership to build processes from scratch and scale as the two facilities come online.

You will recruit, onboard, coach managers, ensure compliance with California laws, manage payroll and benefits support, and foster a safety-focused culture on the production floor during startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of progressive HR experience, including generalist duties.
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and regulations.
• Experience supporting manufacturing/operations environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead start-up HR during launch of two inflight catering facilities.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain hourly and salaried staff.
• Partner with operations to support staffing, engagement, and performance.
• Coach supervisors on employee relations, policy interpretation.
• Conduct workplace investigations and resolve issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with federal and California employment laws.
• Administer leaves, accommodations, workers' comp, and unemployment.
• Maintain HR records, reporting, and HRIS data.
• Support payroll and benefits administration.
• Help establish HR policies and practices during launch.
• Foster safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Skills

HR Generalist

Employee relations

Recruiting

Policy development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Newrest is seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Generalist to help launch an exciting inflight catering operations in San Diego near the airport. This is a unique opportunity for an HR professional who is hungry to grow in their HR career and who thrives in fast-paced, start-up environments and wants to play a key role in building a successful operation from day one.

If you're looking for a traditional office HR role, this is not it. We're looking for someone who enjoys being on the production floor, solving problems in real time, building processes and policies from scratch, building teams, and partnering with operations to make things happen.

What You'll Do

As the HR Generalist, you will serve as the primary HR leader for a growing operation of approximately 150 employees. You will partner closely with local leadership to establish HR processes, build a positive culture, and ensure compliance while supporting the daily needs of the operation.

Responsibilities Include

• Lead all aspects of HR during the start-up and ongoing operation of two new inflight catering facilities.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain hourly and salaried employees.
• Partner with operations leadership to support staffing, employee relations, engagement, and performance management.
• Coach and develop supervisors and managers on employee issues, policy interpretation, and leadership best practices.
• Conduct workplace investigations and resolve employee relations matters promptly and professionally.
• Ensure compliance with federal, California, Oregon, and local employment laws.
• Administer leaves of absence, accommodations, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and other employee programs.
• Maintain HR records, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Support payroll, benefits administration, and HRIS processes.
• Help establish HR policies, procedures, and best practices during the launch phase.
• Foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

This Is a Hands-on Position

Success in this role requires someone who leads by example. You'll spend as much time on the production floor as you do behind a desk. Whether interviewing candidates, assisting with orientation, coaching supervisors, resolving employee issues, or supporting operational needs, you'll be actively involved in the day-to-day business.

We're looking for someone who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, adapt quickly, and help build two successful operations from the ground up.

Why Newrest?

Newrest is one of the world's leading independent providers of inflight catering and hospitality services, operating in more than 50 countries with over 60,000 employees worldwide. We continue to expand across North America, providing exciting opportunities for professionals who enjoy growth, challenge, and making a meaningful impact.

If you're passionate about building teams, supporting operations, and creating successful workplaces, we'd love to hear from you.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is energetic, resilient, and comfortable working in an environment where priorities change quickly. You should enjoy building processes, solving problems, and working alongside operations leaders to achieve results.

Qualifications Include

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including HR generalist responsibilities.
• Extensive working knowledge of California employment law.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, logistics, food production, distribution, airport operations, or similarly fast-paced environments preferred.
• Strong experience with employee relations, investigations, recruiting, compliance, and performance management.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-moving environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certifications are preferred.

Travel & Work Expectations

• Very minimal to no travel expected for the position.
• Expect extended workdays, weekend work, and a demanding schedule during start-up operations.
• Be highly visible on the production floor and available to support all shifts as business needs require.