Human Resources Manager at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in Houston, TX

Job Title: Human Resources Manager

Location: Houston/Katy, TX | Full-Time | Exempt

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000/ Annually

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

About Us:

Kizuki International LLC is one company united by a single purpose — to spread joy through authentic culinary experiences. Our family of Asian culinary brands includes:

• Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya – delivering the most authentic Japanese ramen experience outside Japan through scratch-made broths, Japanese-designed interiors, and craftsmanship.
• Supreme Dumplings – offering handcrafted Xiao Long Bao and other small bites made with precision, tradition, and heartfelt execution.
• Tang Bar / Swish Swish – a modern fast-casual concept bringing bold Sichuan Malatang flavors to a customizable, energetic format.

Though each concept is unique, all share the same values: craftsmanship, connection, hospitality, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. We proudly operate 20+ restaurants and 4+ central kitchens/commissary facilities across multiple states — and we’re growing.

Job Summary

We are looking for an HR leader who can build and scale our HR function from the ground up. This is not a traditional support role—it requires ownership of creating a structured, data-driven HR operating system with clear visibility, accountability, and measurable impact. You will be responsible for establishing core processes, driving KPIs (such as turnover, time-to-hire, and employee relations outcomes), and implementing scalable systems that support our growing organization. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable operating independently in a remote environment while delivering consistent, trackable results.

The ideal candidate has strong multi-state HR experience with a must-have understanding of California labor laws and compliance.

Reports to: Director & VP of Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end HR functions: recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding
• Ensure full compliance with federal and multi-state labor laws, with a strong emphasis on California compliance, including Washington, Oregon, Texas, and Hawaii.
• Act as the primary HR partner for restaurant operations and leadership teams
• Handle employee relations issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions
• Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures
• Support staffing, workforce planning, and retention strategies
• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including job posting, candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding
• Oversee payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HRIS systems
• Conduct training and provide coaching to managers
• Travel to restaurant locations and work on-site when required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field
• 4–6+ years of HR experience (multi-unit, restaurant, or retail preferred)
• Strong knowledge of California employment laws (required)
• Experience managing multi-state HR compliance
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Willingness to travel and work from restaurant locations as needed
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Preferred

• SHRM-CP / PHR certification
• Experience supporting restaurant or hospitality operations
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (ADP, UKG Ready, Paycom, Workday, etc.)

Benefits & Other Compensation:

Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, with the company covering 90% of the medical premium.

We are an equal opportunity employer to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate against qualified individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.