Director of Human Resources

Company Overview

Le Colonial is a sophisticated French-Vietnamese restaurant brand inspired by the alluring atmosphere and bold flavors of 1920s Saigon. Established in 1993 in New York City, it rapidly became a celebrated establishment known for its distinctive separation of lounge and dining areas. Le Colonial now serves several major U.S. cities including Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Lake Forest, Delray Beach, Naples, and Denver. The brand is distinguished by its elaborate architecture, romantic ambiance, and luxurious environment, providing guests with a memorable escape. Continual expansion offers excellent growth prospects for hospitality professionals within this unique dining group.

Position Overview

The Director of Human Resources is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in the New York City Metropolitan area. This role manages the entire HR function across multiple restaurant and corporate locations, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training, performance management, and workforce planning. The Director is responsible for creating, implementing, and revising HR policies aligned with the company culture and values, ensuring uniformity across sites. Daily activities involve advising leadership on employee relations, resolving conflicts, promoting engagement, and driving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The position also ensures adherence to labor laws, manages benefits and HR systems, and collaborates with senior management on strategic people and organizational goals.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of HR strategic initiatives consistent with business goals.
• Provide guidance as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams.
• Cultivate a high-performing, service-focused organizational culture.
• Direct organizational and workforce planning activities.
• Design recruiting approaches for leadership roles at corporate and restaurant levels.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and improve key hiring metrics like time-to-fill and retention.
• Manage relationships with recruitment agencies and job platforms.
• Conduct investigations related to harassment, discrimination, ethics, and workplace misconduct.
• Coach management on employee performance, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Administer performance reviews, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
• Manage compensation philosophies, wage structures, and employee benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations relevant to hospitality, coordinating legal matters when needed.
• Oversee company-wide leadership training, onboarding, and mandatory compliance courses including food safety and alcohol service certifications.
• Manage HRIS, maintain personnel records, employee handbooks, and develop standard operating procedures.
• Promote company values, coordinate employee surveys, and implement recognition and benefit programs.
• Direct and advance the Human Resources department, set goals, manage budget, and collaborate cross-functionally during growth initiatives including restaurant openings and acquisitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree and HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.
• At least 8 to 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within luxury, fine dining, or hotel/restaurant sectors.
• Extensive knowledge in HR operations, policy development, and multi-location HR management.
• Strong competencies in employee relations, conflict management, coaching, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
• Expertise in performance management systems, including feedback, goal setting, and development planning.
• In-depth understanding of labor laws and regulations affecting the hospitality industry.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of staff.
• Experience utilizing HRIS systems and analytics to support strategy and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Dental insurance coverage
• Health insurance plan
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance coverage

Compensation

Annual salary range: $120,000 to $135,000