Human Resources Manager at Bambuza Hospitality Group in Portland, OR

The Human Resources Manager serves as Bambuza Hospitality Group’s primary HR resource, partnering with operations and executive leadership to build scalable people systems, ensure consistent employment practices across multiple states, and support a positive, high-performing culture.

This is a hands-on role responsible for both advising leadership and directly executing employee relations, compliance, performance management, and talent development initiatives. The Human Resources Manager works closely with General Managers and company leadership to resolve employee issues, ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies, and develop practical systems that support a growing multi-unit restaurant organization.

This position reports to the Chief Development Officer, and works closely with the President & CEO, the Controller, the Finance & Administrative Manager, the Director of Operation, and out of market operations General Managers.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Lead employee investigations and resolve workplace issues across all markets.
• Advise General Managers on employee relations matters, discipline, performance management, and terminations.
• Develop and maintain consistent documentation standards for corrective actions, performance improvement plans, and investigations.
• Partner with leadership to resolve complex employee issues in a timely and practical manner.

Protected Leaves, Accommodations & Workers’ Compensation

• Administer protected leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, and workers’ compensation cases from intake through resolution.
• Coordinate with the Finance & Administrative Manager, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure timely claims administration and return-to-work planning.
• Guide managers through the interactive accommodation process and protected leave requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and tracking for all leave, accommodation, and workers’ compensation matters.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the company’s internal resource on employment laws and HR best practices across Oregon, Washington, California, and Utah.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour requirements, employee classification, leave laws, workplace accommodations, and company policies.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically audit HR and workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend practical solutions that support both operational effectiveness and legal compliance.
• Partner with outside employment counsel when specialized guidance is needed.

Talent Acquisition

• Manage the recruitment process for all positions, including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, and candidate communication.
• Partner with executive leadership on the recruitment and selection of General Managers and other salaried positions.
• Develop structured interviewing and selection processes that improve hiring consistency.
• Monitor hiring trends and turnover to identify opportunities for improvement.

Performance Management & Development

• Design and implement a company-wide performance management process for hourly and salaried employees.
• Support training and leadership development initiatives in partnership with Operations and Marketing.
• Coach managers on performance expectations, employee development, and documentation.
• Promote consistent accountability and performance standards across all locations.

HR Systems & Process Improvement

• Support and optimize HR systems.
• Develop practical workflows, templates, and tools that improve efficiency and consistency.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline HR processes and improve team effectiveness.
• Build scalable HR systems that support the company’s continued growth.

Safety & Field Support

• Partner with operations to maintain compliant workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Promote a culture of safety through manager coaching, policy implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary HR resource for General Managers across all markets.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
• Experience supporting multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail, or oth
• er service-based operations.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Employee relations and workplace investigations.
  • Protected leaves of absence and workplace accommodations.
  • Workers’ compensation administration.
  • Performance management and employee coaching.
• Strong understanding of employment laws and the ability to apply them in practical business situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Multi-state Human Resources experience.
• Experience supporting operations in California.
• Experience administering or optimizing Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.

Leadership Competencies

• Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, well-reasoned decisions.
• Builds trust through fairness, consistency, professionalism, and discretion.
• Partners effectively with operational leaders to solve problems.
• Develops practical systems that improve consistency and reduce organizational risk.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Balances employee advocacy with sound business judgment.

Role Expectations

• Make independent recommendations and decisions on employee relations and compliance matters, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Balance thorough documentation with timely, practical decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Foster strong partnerships with operations while protecting the interests of the company.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Bambuza PDX LLC dba Bambuza Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.