Sr. Employee Relations Partner

Job Description

Job Description

$97,000-$115,000

$97,000-$115,000, Application Deadline is 12.31.2025.

We’re seeking a second Senior HR Partner to join our high-performing HR team and help lead our people strategy across 74 restaurant locations in five states. This is more than an HR role; it’s a leadership opportunity for someone who makes ethical decisions, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and inspires others through integrity, courage, and compassion.

If you’re passionate about coaching, developing others, and building trust across diverse teams, you’ll find purpose and partnership here.

This role is ideal for someone who has led employee relations across multi-unit operations (50+ locations, 1,000+ employees), and who understands hospitality, compliance, and culture-building.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the VP of Human Resources

Lead complex employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and legal precision

Conduct investigations and resolve workplace issues with fairness and clarity

Develop and enforce policies that reflect our values and ensure consistency

Design and deliver training programs that elevate leadership, compliance, and culture

Coach restaurant managers on employee relations, development, and performance

Champion a culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and growth

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (EEO, ADA, FLSA, ERISA, DOL, OSHA, etc.)

Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and drive strategic improvements

Support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding

Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management

Mentor junior HR team members and foster their professional growth

Drive employee engagement, recognition, and philanthropic initiatives

Manage leave of absence processes and sensitive communications

Partner with field leadership to enhance agility and operational excellence

Lead change-management and crisis response initiatives with calm and clarity

Travel to restaurant locations across five states, as needed, to support employee relations, training, and field leadership initiatives

Take on additional responsibilities aligned with evolving organizational priorities

Skills & Competencies

Deep expertise in employee relations and multi-state labor law compliance

Exceptional written and verbal communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills

Strategic thinker with a bias for action and alignment with business goals

High emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making

Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Experience creating and delivering impactful training content

Bilingual in Spanish (written and oral) strongly preferred

Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications or related field

Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, with a deep focus on employee relations

Experience supporting multi-unit operations in hospitality or a related industry

PHR or SPHR certification preferred

About Us

Out West Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest franchise operator of Outback Steakhouse in the U.S., with 74 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Voted Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2022, we’re proud to deliver exceptional dining experiences rooted in our core values :

Hospitality

• Quality
• Sharing
• Fun
• Judgment
• Courage

We believe in creating vibrant workplaces where our Outbackers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive health insurance

Hybrid work model (subject to change based on business needs)

Flexible hours

Early wage access

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Short- and long-term disability

Term life and AD&D insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time off (Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays)

401(k) retirement plan

Free meals and other fun perks

Physical Requirements

Ability to move around office settings and remain seated for extended periods

Occasionally lift or carry items up to 20 pounds

Ability to adapt to varied physical settings, including office, restaurant, and training environments

Comfortable navigating airports, rental cars, and hotel stays as part of travel

Ability to travel by car and plane to restaurant locations across five states

Ability to work on-site in restaurant environments, which may include standing or walking.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Equal Opportunity

Out West is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.

All newly hired employees must successfully complete the E-Verify process. Learn more at outwestrg.com / E-Verify.